USDA's 2004 RANKING OF ANTIOXIDANT-RICH FOODS highlights foods with high concentrations of antioxidants, which fight damage to cells from "free radical" molecules. Fruit on the list includes: (#2) Wild Blueberries, (#3) Cultivated Blueberries, (#6) Cranberries, (#8) Blackberries, (#9) Prunes, (#10) Raspberries, (#11) Red Delicious Apples, (#12) Granny Smith Apples, (#20) Gala Apples.
APPLES REALLY ARE GOOD FOR YOU! Eating fresh apples is always good for you, but to get the full nutritional benefits associated with eating apples you should eat at least one fresh apple every day. The average U.S. consumer eats about 19 pounds of fresh apples a year - about one apple per week.
Ongoing consumer attitude tracking in nine major markets across the United States has shown that Washington apples remain number one as far as consumers are concerned. According to one report, 56 percent of those surveyed named Washington as the brand they look for when buying apples.
DENTAL HEALTH: Condensed tannins are found in apple juice. Tannins have anti-adhesion properties that may help prevent gum disease because they inhibit some bacteria from bonding to each other and producing dental plaque. Tannins also may help prevent urinary tract infections and reduce the risk of heart disease. -Journal of the American Dental Association (1998)
HEART DISEASE & STROKE PREVENTION: A Finnish study published in 1996 showed that people who eat a diet rich in flavonoids have a lower incidence of heart disease. Other studies indicate that flavonoids may help prevent strokes. -The British Medical Journal (1996)
HEALTHY LUNGS: Two recent British studies indicated that eating apples can improve lung health. Researchers at the University of Nottingham reported that those who ate five apples per week also had a lower risk for respiratory disease. -American Thoracic Society Meeting (May, 2001)
In the Netherlands at the University of Groningen, apples were singled out as a fruit that could cut smokers' risk of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in half. Scientists believe antioxidants found in apples may ward off disease by countering oxygen's damaging effects on the body. -Thorax (January, 2000)
WEIGHT LOSS: Apples are a delicious source of dietary fiber, and dietary fiber helps aid digestion and promotes weight loss. A medium apple contains about five grams of fiber, more than most cereals. Also, apples contain almost zero fat and cholesterol, so they are a delicious snack and dessert food that's good for you.
