LDL CHOLESTEROL STUDIES

Daily consumption of apples and apple products may reduce the damage caused by the “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and protect against heart disease.

An apple a day can keep the cardiologist away.

Researchers at the University of California-Davis reported that phytonutrients in apples, apple cider and apple juice prevent oxidation in vitro of the "bad" (LDL) cholesterol, and thus may help protect against cardiovascular disease.

This was the first study conducted in humans to demonstrate that apples, apple cider and apple juice may help to slow the oxidation process that is involved in the build up of plaque that leads to heart disease.

They also confirmed that important phytonutrients from apples are also found in cider and apple juice. While both foods varied in the levels of phytonutrient concentrations, both inhibited oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which can lead to unwanted build-up of harmful plaque in arteries. (Source: Life Sciences, 1999, 64: 1913-1920)