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Apple-a-day prevents strokes
& heart attacks
( Apple-a-day as effective as statins )
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By Sarah
Knapton, Science
Correspondent:
Eating an apple-a-day is an effective as statins at preventing
deaths from strokes and heart attacks, Oxford University scientists has
discovered.
The original 1866 proverb states: Eat an
apple on going to bed, and you'll keep the doctor from earning his bread.
But a study from Oxford University has shown
than an apple-a-day really will keep the doctor away and is as affective as
statins at preventing strokes and heart attacks.
Researchers have concluded that around 8,500
deaths could be prevented every year if over-50s who are not already taking
statins ate one apple each day.
Previous studies have shown that apples are
high in soluble fibre which slows the build-up of cholesterol-rich plaque in
the arteries.
Apples also contain antioxodiants and
flavanoids which are beneficial to health and boost the immune system.
Dr Adam Briggs of the BHF Health Promotion Research Group at
Oxford University said: "The Victorians had it spot on when they came up with
the clear and simple public health advice, 'An apple a day keeps the doctor
away'.
"It just shows how effective little changes in diet can be.
"While no-one currently prescribed medicine should replace them
for apples, we could all benefit from simply eating more fruit.
"This study shows that small dietary changes as well as increased
use of statins at a popuation level may significantly reduce vascular mortality
in the UK.”
Apples also have fewer side effects than statins, which can raise
the risk of diabetes and muscle weakness.
Researchers looked at previous studies which demonstrated the
benefits of fruit consumption for cardiovascular health and decreased mortality.
They then compared that to similar mortality figures for statins.
Around 5.2 million people are currently eligible for statins in
the UK.
If everyone over the age of 50 was prescribed statins it would
mean an extra 17.6 million people would take the drug – and 9,400 more deaths
would be prevented each year.
Researchers assumed there would only be a 70 per cent compliance
rate if apples were prescribed. But they said that even at that level it would
prevent 8,500 deaths a year. If there was an100 per cent take-up it could
prevent more than 12,000 deaths a year.
The report authors noted: “Prescribing either an apple a day or a
statin a day to everyone over 50 yeas old is likely to have a similar effect on
population vascular mortality.
“Choosing apples rather than statins may avoid more than a
thousands excess cases of myopathy and more than 12,000 excess diabetes
diagnoses.”
The authors found the only downside to prescribing apples in
stead of statins would be that the fruit currently costs more.
Dr Peter Coleman, Deputy Director of Research at The Stroke
Association said: “Apples have long been known as a natural source of
antioxidants and chemical compounds called flavanoids, all of which are good for
our health and wellbeing.
“This study shows that, as part of a healthy diet with plenty of
fresh fruit and veg, a daily apple could help to reduce the risk of stroke and
heart disease.
“Whilst it is vital that those who have been prescribed the
cholesterol lowering-drugs, statins, continue to take this highly effective
medication, everyone can lower their risk of stroke with simple lifestyle
changes, like eating a balanced diet.”
The results were published in the British Medical Journal.
( Courtesy:
The telegraph )
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