AN APPLE A DAY…

Recently published research shows that this old adage holds true. There is an association between eating an apple each day and a 35% decrease in risk of death compared to those who don’t eat apples – at least in women. Dr Jonathan Hodgson and his team from the University of Western Australia tracked about 1 500 plus-70 women for 15 years, building on research by Cornell University showing that quercetin, a phytonutrient, could protect the brain from diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

And of course, you should eat the peel and all, as that’s where most of the nutrients are concentrated. Prevention Evaluation-3 (HOPE3) study, published recently in

and funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and AstraZeneca biopharmaceutical company.

Researchers say the finding suggests patients with hypertension should ‘not only lower their blood pressure but also consider taking a statin’. Statins have came off patent – so they’re now more affordable.

The studies looked at over 12 000 patients from 21 countries, including SA, to assess drugs that could prevent CVD (statins, which lower cholesterol; hypertensives, for high blood pressure; and a combo of the two types). Locally, Karen Sliwa, professor of cardiovascular research and the director of the Hatter Institute, was the lead researcher. She says the trial is important in SA as we’ve questioned the safety of statins. ‘This debate can now be put to rest,’ said Professor Sliwa, ‘as patients received treatment with statins over a period of up to 10 years.’