Eating apples may reduce risk for heart disease, diabetes

January 20, 2009

An apple a day can significantly reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndrome associated with a number of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, says a new study.

The study led by Dr. Victor Fulgoni examined the consumption data collected in the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and found that adults who eat apples, drink apple juice and have applesauce reduce their risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

Dr. Fulgoni looked at the association between consumption of apples and apple products, nutrient intake and various physiological parameters related to metabolic syndrome.

The findings revealed that adult apple product consumers had a 27 pct-decreased likelihood of being diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Moreover, apple consumers had 21pct-reduced risk of having increased waist circumference.

"We found that adults who eat apples and apple products have smaller waistlines that indicate less abdominal fat, lower blood pressure and a reduced risk for developing what is known as the metabolic syndrome," said Dr Fulgoni.

The study was presented at the Experimental Biology 2008 meeting this week