Studies have pitted peeled apples against unpeeled apples and spinach to test for artery function. The findings indicate that moderate apple consumption can lead to a decreased risk of all-cause mortality. Higher apple consumption is associated with a 35% lower risk compared to low apple consumption.
Flavonoids in apples, particularly concentrated in the peels, are believed to improve artery function and lower blood pressure, which may decrease the risk of heart disease and strokes. The results show that even a small amount of apple a day can lead to significant health benefits. Furthermore, apple consumption is linked to a lower risk of major artery calcifications, a marker of vascular disease.
Furthermore, flavonoid-rich apples, with the peel intact, were shown to improve artery function much more effectively compared to peeled apples in a scientific study. This improvement in artery function was not observed in other fruits like pears, oranges, and bananas.
Apples were also tested head-to-head with spinach, and it was found that both apples and spinach can nearly immediately improve artery function and lower blood pressure. These results are particularly attractive since they are based on whole foods, not supplements or extracts.
These results provide evidence that regular apple consumption can be a natural and effective method for improving cardiovascular health, which may benefit the general population. For further discussion on apples, visit the topic page and view related videos.
For in-depth analyses of other apple-related topics, consider viewing the articles “Dried Apples vs. Cholesterol,” “Flashback Friday: Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help with Weight Loss?,” and “The Antioxidant Effects of Açai vs. Apples.”
