Vienna, VA - No matter how you slice it, the whole apple may be greater – and healthier – than the sum of its parts, according to a new review study published in the September 2011 Advances in Nutrition.

“Despite trends toward studying individual components of the apple, it appears the whole apple has beneficial properties that cannot be explained by certain nutrient components previously singled out,” says Dr. Dianne Hyson, Ph.D., a registered dietitian and associate professor at California State University, Sacramento, who authored the review of recent research on apple health benefits.

Mounting research suggests that apples and apple products (like apple juice, cider and apple sauce) may play an essential role in reducing the risk of many of the world’s most prevalent diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, she says.

“Apples contain polyphenols, natural antioxidant compounds found in fruits and vegetables that may help prevent and reduce disease,” Hyson explains. “The concentration or amount of polyphenols in each apple varies depending on the variety, geographical region, environment, season and storage.”

Apples and apple products are top sources of polyphenols consumed in the United States and globally. Hyson notes that because apples and apple products are widely available year-round, they may have an important effect on the health of the populations consuming them.

The review also underscores the beneficial effect of apples and apple products on weight management, bone health and digestive health. Furthermore, the antioxidants found in apples may have a protective effect on cardiovascular disease, asthma and diabetes. Some of Hyson’s overall findings are summarized, by disease state or condition, below.

Cancer
About one third of all cancer deaths could be prevented by improved diet, particularly increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains (American Institute for Cancer Research). Apples and apple products have been specifically associated with reduced risk of breast, colon, lung, oral cavity and tharynx, esophagus, colorectal, larynx, ovary and prostate cancers. Several studies, which investigate how apples might help fight cancer, suggest that compounds found in apples and apple products work by reducing the spread of cancer cells, altering markers of the cell cycle, increasing the body’s ability to essentially kill off the cancerous cells, and modulating pathways that lead to cancerous activity. Hyson says: “Although further work is needed, it is promising that there are multiple explanations for why apple and apple product intake reduce the risk of cancer in humans.”

Cardiovascular Disease
The American Heart Association estimates that more than 80 million American adults, or one in three, have one or more types of cardiovascular disease. Research studies summarized in the review show there is a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease among individuals who consume apples and apple products. One animal study showed that when given a typical American diet (high in fat), the addition of apples or apple juice (about 2 large apples/day or about 2 cups of juice) significantly reduced cholesterol levels after just 12 weeks. Several recent human studies suggest regular apple or apple product consumption may help protect the body from oxidative damage and prevent cardiovascular distress.

Lung Health
Multiple studies suggest that increased intake of apples and apple products may help reduce the risk of developing asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). While researchers attribute this to their antioxidant potential and phytochemical content, there are many unknown dietary and lifestyle factors that also may have important effects. “There is a need for controlled clinical intervention studies using apples and apple products to further examine the potential effect on asthma,” Hyson says.

Aging and Cognitive Health
Growing evidence suggest that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help slow cognitive decline associated with aging. Hyson points to a number of studies, conducted on animals, that show the antioxidants and compounds in apples and apple products help improve markers related to behavioral changes associated with aging and even diseases of aging, like Alzheimer’s disease.

“The processes associated with aging and amplified in neurodegenerative diseases of aging are complex and not completely understood,” Hyson says. “The available data show preliminary but intriguing potential of apples and apple products to modulate some of these processes in animal models.”

Diabetes
New data has suggested a link between apple and apple product consumption and the reduction of risk for diabetes, but more research is needed. One study that looked at consumption in a large population of women found that those who ate apples consistently (roughly 2-6 per week or 1/day) had a 27-28% reduced risk of developing Type 2 diabetes (Women’s Health Study).

Weight Management
Few studies have investigated apples and apple products impact on weight management or weight loss. However, one study, published in 2003 out of Brazil showed that when women ate apples before a meal they were more likely to lose weight over time. The study had its limitations but overall, the researchers concluded that it was likely that the fact that the apples had low energy density (calories) and high fiber that made them effective in the weight loss diet.

Bone and Gut Health
The impact of apple and apple product consumption and their impact on bone and gut health has only just begun to be studied. Preliminary observations suggest that apples and apple products may have a positive impact on both, but more research is needed.

According to Nancy Foster, U.S. Apple Association’s president and CEO, there’s never been a better time to enjoy an apple a day. “The health benefits of apples simply are astounding.”

For more information or to read about additional studies on the health benefits of apples and apple products, visit www.USApple.org.

The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) is the national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 40 state and regional apple associations representing the 7,500 apple growers throughout the country, as well as more than 400 individual firms involved in the apple business. USApple's mission is to provide the means for all segments of the U.S. apple industry to join in appropriate collective efforts to profitably produce and market apples and apple products.