Does an Apple a Day Keep Away Diseases? Evidence and Mechanism of Action
June 2023
in “
Food science & nutrition
”
TLDR Eating apples can help prevent heart disease, cancer, and other conditions because they have healthy plant chemicals.
The document reviews various studies conducted from 2012 to 2022, showing that apples and apple products have multiple health benefits. These include protective effects against cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and cognitive impairment, as well as promoting hair growth and improving various skin conditions. These effects are linked to antioxidation, vascular endothelium protection, blood lipid reduction, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic mechanisms, largely attributed to apple polyphenols. A 15-year study on 1456 women over 70 showed those who ate an apple a day were 35% less likely to die from any cause. However, the document warns of potential harmful effects, such as elevated uric acid levels in people with Gout and increased LDL-C levels from clear apple juice consumption. It concludes that further clinical trials are necessary to validate these findings and ensure safety.
