An Apple a Day and Your Heart!

It has been a few days since I have discussed diet!  Let's tackle APPLES!

Found this article from the web, Care2 - Healthy Living - Apples for Your Heart?

In a study reported in this article, this would help keep a man's waist size under 40 inches - THAT"S GOOD!  Assist in helping with high blood pressure!  This caught my eye pertaining to cholesterol!''

Researchers suggest that the strong antioxidant flavonoid compounds found in apples–quercetin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, kaempferol and other polysyllabic wonders–play a key role by preventing LDL cholesterol from oxidizing and triggering a series of events that result in the buildup of plaque in arteries, as well as inhibiting inflammation. “But antioxidants are just one piece of the whole puzzle,” notes Cornell University food scientist and apple expert Rui Hai Liu, Ph.D. Apples are also rich in pectin, a form of soluble fiber known to help lower cholesterol, and they provide a decent amount of vitamin C, another antioxidant.

Another article from FoodEditorials.com - How Apples Protect Your Heart

Doctors advise to eat more apples regularly as they are high in polyphenols.

 

 OK, what are polyphenols?  Simply, polyphenols are found in plants.  How about the top 25 sources of polyphenols?

Here they are!

Top 25  Riches Food Sources of Polyphenols (per serving)

1. Black Elderberry
2. Black Chokeberry
3. Blackcurrant
4. Highbush blueberry
5. Globe artichoke heads
6. Coffee, filtered
7. Lowbush Blueberry
8. Sweet Cherry
9. Strawberry
10. Blackberry
11. Plum
12. Red Raspberry
13. Flaxseed Meal
14. Dark Chocolate
15. Chestnut
16. Black Tea
17. Green Tea
18. Pure Apple Juice
19. Apple
20. Whole Grain Rye Bread
21. Hazelnut
22. red wine
23. Soy Yogurt
24. Cocoa Powder
25. Pure Pomegranate Juice

My favorite numbers are - #4, #9, #14, #17, #19, #22!!!!