In the News - February 2008
Guess what? An apple a day really will keep doctor away
MURFREESBORO, Ark. - Everyone knows an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Now, a recent study shows that an apple a day may keep Alzheimer’s at bay,
according to Robbie McKinnon, Pike County extension agent with the University of
Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
The study was done by Cornell University researchers and their colleagues in
South Korea.
The study exposed nerve cells to apple, banana and orange extracts. They
found that the fruits’ antioxidants, specifically the phenolic phytochemicals,
prevented oxidative stress-induced toxicity in the neurons.
Many studies have indicated that the brains of Alzheimer’s patients are
subjected to increased oxidative stress and the resulting cellular dysfunctions
are widely believed to be responsible for the nerve degeneration in these
patients.
Further study showed that the unpeeled apple contained the highest content of
protective antioxidants, followed by bananas, then oranges.
"Apples are also a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C," says
McKinnon. One medium-sized apple has about 13 percent of the recommended daily
value of dietary fiber and 11 percent of vitamin C. One apple can supplies 72
calories. Apples also contain vitamin K, vitamin B-6, calcium, iron, magnesium,
phosphorous and potassium. Apples are 85 percent water.
"Research suggests that due to the vitamin C and other antioxidants in
apples, this fruit may reduce risk of cancer by preventing DNA damage," she
says. "Also, fibers control cholesterol levels helping with heart disease and
weight loss."
Diets low in fat and high in fiber are associated with lower incidents of
prostate cancer. Phytoestrogens are the fighters of cancer in the prostate. One
class of phytoestrogens is flavonoids, found in a high proportion in apples,
onions and tea leaves. A Mayo clinic study showed that quercetin, a flavonoid
found in apples, prevents growth of prostate cancer cells.
McKinnon says a study indicates that phytochemicals from apple skin inhibit
the reproduction of colon cancer cells. The National Cancer Institute reports
that foods containing flavonoids can reduce lung cancer risk by 50 percent.
"Many studies have shown that apple consumption reduces blood cholesterol,"
McKinnon says. The substance responsible for this is thought to be pectin found
in apples and other fruits and vegetables.
Another study suggests that apples may even be a fountain of youth by helping
prevent wrinkles. Sun-caused skin damage may be repelled with consumption of
fruits like apples and prunes, vegetables and olive oil.
For more information on health and nutrition, contact your county extension
agent or visit www.uaex.edu and select Health and
Nutrition. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of
Agriculture.
February 29, 2008
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialists
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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