Can one apple a day really get rid of the doctor?
The saying "one apple a day keeps the doctor away" might actually have some truth to it, scientists say. An expert team reviewed more than 150 studies to come to the conclusion.
Researchers have concluded that an apple, along with some berries and tea, can protect heart health if these things are eaten every day. Scientists have recommended that people take two cups of tea each day with one apple and some berries.
The objective, according to the researchers, was to provide flavan-3-ols – a “bioactive” compound to the organism. The combination mentioned above provides around 500mg of the compound that is considered good for the heart.
The study showed that the chemical was also present in black chocolate. It may improve blood pressure, glycemia, and cholesterol.
Professor Gunter Kuhnle, a nutrition expert at the University of Reading, said that flavan-3-ols have the potential to improve health.
Dietary recommendations are generally aimed at the prevention of nutritional deficiencies. Doctors want to ensure that people have the essential minerals, vitamins, and lipids.
Several studies have demonstrated that flavan-3-ols has significant health benefits and helps maintain wellness. It also protects people from disease, which, according to the researchers, is the main reason for studying the compound.
An international team supported by the US Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics analyzed data from 157 randomized controlled trials and 15 cohort studies.
Since the bioactive chemical was found associated with lowering blood pressure, it was also linked to lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes, that is, keeping the cardiovascular system healthy.
Since the chemical lowers blood glucose, it can reduce the risk of damage to your eyes and nerves.
“To reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, we recommend eating 400mg-600mg of flavan-3-ols a day,” Kuhnle says.
“Taking a daily amount of healthy food and beverages is much more effective than taking a supplement.”