Researchers from England and America announced that one apple a day has positive effects on heart health. It protects heart health when consumed daily with apple, strawberry, grape and tea. Scientists advise people to consume an apple, some strawberries and two cups of tea a day. This combination contains roughly 500 mg of flavan-3-ols. Flavan-3-ols is a ‘bioactive’ compound said to be good for the heart. Foods containing flavan-3-ols not only protect heart health, but also heal many diseases.
CAN IMPROVE CHOLESTEROL AND BLOOD SUGAR
A review of more than 150 studies concluded that the chemical, also found in red wine and dark chocolate, can improve blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Professor Gunter Kuhnle, a nutritionist at the University of Reading, said the data show that flavan-3-ols can improve health.
REDUCES THE RISK OF HEART ATTACK AND PALACE
International experts, funded by the U.S. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, reviewed data from 157 randomized controlled trials and 15 cohort studies. The results showed that its bioactive compound was linked to lower blood pressure, resulting in a reduced risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
REDUCES THE RISK OF NERVE AND EYE DAMAGE
It also improved cholesterol levels, as well as ‘bad’ HDL cholesterol levels, which can damage the heart if the levels are too high. Flavan-3-ols have also been linked to lower blood sugar and reduced risk of nerve and eye damage. Dr Kuhnle said: ‘We recommend consuming 400mg-600mg of flavan-3-ols per day to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. ‘This is the equivalent of a few cups of tea, some red or purple berries, and an apple.
GREEN TEA HAS THE HIGHEST FLAVAN-3-OL CONTENT
‘It is much more effective to get your daily amount as a healthy food or drink than to take supplements’. Green tea has the highest content of flavan-3-ols per cup (320 mg), followed by black tea (280 mg), blackberries (65 mg per 160 g) and dried cranberries (35 mg per 80 g).
BE CAREFUL NOT TO TAKE A HIGH DOSAGE
The team noted that the health risks from high-fat and sugary substances such as alcohol and dark chocolate “will outweigh the benefits” of flavan-3-ols. And they warned that their findings apply to flavan-3-ols found in food rather than supplements. It can cause liver damage and stomach problems when taken in high doses, the researchers said.