Apples Help Lungs Stay Healthy

A new study has added to the growing link between apples and lung health. Researchers at London's King's College and the University of Southampton studied 1,471 adults to examine how dietary antioxidants might affect asthma risk and severity. They found that the people who ate at least two apples per week had a 22-32 percent lower risk of developing asthma than people who ate fewer apples. Their findings were published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Although more research is required to before scientists understand exactly how apples or apple nutrients might influence lung health, scientists believe it's the flavonoids in the fruit which promote lung health. Flavonoids are water-soluble plant pigments found in the fruit which act as an antioxidant, antiallergenic, or an anti-inflammatory compound.

This research adds to the growing body of science demonstrating that eating apples may improve health, including lung and heart health. Other recent studies have also suggested that we might literally breathe easier by eating apples or drinking apple juice.

In May this year, researchers at the University of Nottingham reported apple eaters had better lung function and lower risk of respiratory disease than non-apple eaters. At the same time, researchers at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands reported smokers eating moderate amounts of fruits and vegetables, particularly apples, halved their risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common lung ailment among smokers. Another study by researchers at London's St. George's Hospital also documented a possible link between apples and lung function as did researchers at both the University of Hawaii and Finland's National Public Health Institute. All the studies linked apple consumption with a reduced risk of lung cancer and all point to apples' high flavonoid content as the potential health benefactor.

Besides flavonoids, apples also a dozen minerals in addition to vitamin E which improves nerve and muscle endurance; biotin which encourages the body to use fat rather than storing it; folic acid which promotes a healthy appetite and clean digestive system; and vitamins A and C to protect against colds and infections. It seems the old adage, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" is one of the most scientifically proven sayings in the English language.