An Extra Apple A Day

An Extra Apple A Day! I’m Greg Martin with today’s Fruit Grower Report.

The old saying of an apple a day is getting bit of a boost. According to Nancy Foster with U.S. Apple...you might want to consider an extra apple a day.

FOSTER: The traditional saying is that an apple a day keeps the doctor away - researchers and scientists have found is that really we can up the ante because apples are found to have incredible and amazing health benefits that were previously unknown.

Now two apples a day are being recommended for a variety of reasons.

FOSTER: Not just weight loss which is key, but brain health, various types of cancers, metabolic syndrome, lung health, heart health, increased immunity, gut health, asthma reduction. Apples are high in antioxidants and various types of antioxidants. The researchers believe that it is the antioxidants which reduce oxidation in the body and in the brain and in the arteries, etcetera that yields a number of these benefits.

As the TV ads say...BUT WAIT...THERE”S MORE!

FOSTER: Old-timers used to say that apples are natures toothbrush. There is research going on at Ohio State which deals with mouth health and the effect that apples have on saliva and it actually promotes gum and and oral health. Eating these two apples a day for 6 months - and these were adults - reduced LDL cholesterol by 23%. We think of apples as really a super health food as well as just something wonderful and delicious to eat.

That’s today’s Fruit Grower Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.