The Apple Report: An apple a day is a very good start.

So the Grand Mama was alway right and now been scientifically proved that she is right. According to a new health report, apples are a 'nutrition powerhouse' and really do keep the doctor away.
The 'Apple Report', a comprehensive review of scientific research published over the past 10 years, has found that apples are one of the only foods identified to reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers - two of the biggest causes of death in Australia.

Apples are also associated with asthma protection, can reduce the risk of type II diabetes and help with weight loss.

"We often hear about new foods hitting the supermarket shelves that have had this or that nutrient added to them during processing, but apples are a natural nutrition powerhouse," report author and accredited practicing dietitian Shane Landon said in a statement.

The report also found that apples have the highest antioxidant content of all Australia's popular fruits.

"Not only does an apple have around one and a half times more antioxidants than a 75 gram serve of blueberries, it has more than twice the antioxidants of a cup of tea, about three times the antioxidants of an orange and almost eight times the antioxidants of a banana," Mr Landon said.

Australians eat around one apple a week, but if everyone ate just one more serve of fruit or vegetables every day, the Australian Fruit and Vegetable Coalition estimates over $A150 ($US 138.50) million a year would be saved on healthcare costs for cardiovascular disease alone.

"The research is compelling and the health message is simple - we must get back to basics," Mr Landon said.

“The news gets even more surprising when you compare apples to foods that are often promoted as good sources of antioxidants,” Mr Landon said. “Not only does an apple have around one and a half times more antioxidants than a 75g serve of blueberries, it has more than twice the antioxidants of a cup of tea, about three times the antioxidants of an orange and almost eight times the antioxidants of a banana,” he said.

The report will be welcome news to consumer groups concerned that Australians are bombarded with too much marketing hype promoting expensive ‘superfoods’. When it comes to so-called ’superfruit juices’ like goji juice, Australians are paying up to five times as much for only a fraction of the antioxidants they would get in a Red Delicious apple.

“This is great news for the people who would struggle to afford these foods,” Mr Landon said. “The humble apple – a staple in our fruit bowls – is a better, more affordable and more convenient choice.”

"An apple a day is a very good start." Yes Grandma, Now we listen to you!
tag: Nutrition, superfoods, goji juice, antioxidants, healthcare costs, dietitian, type II diabetes, asthma protection,