8. Apples
Apples are perfectly suited for maintaining a healthy heart. They contain plenty of vitamins and nutrients which support a strong cardiovascular system. Among these nutrients are polyphenols, which are antioxidants that prevent oxidation of cholesterol in your blood. Apples also contain high concentrations of pectin, which helps to block the absorption of cholesterol. They also contain fiber, which keeps you regular and prevents excessive buildup of cholesterol in your system.
A 2009 study published in the Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology analyzed nine human studies relating to apple consumption and cardiovascular disease. The analysis showed that there was an average decrease in cholesterol of five to eight percent from eating apples. In turn, this was responsible for a significant lowering in cardiovascular disease risk. The researchers suggested that “the major mechanism behind the cholesterol-lowering effect of apples involves an increased clearance of plasma cholesterol due to enhanced faecal excretion of bile acids and cholesterol.” Charming.
Remember, however, that most of the goodness in apples actually lies in their skin… so don’t throw those peels away!