What Is Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that predict heart disease, diabetes and other chronic illnesses. When a person has three of five conditions (for example high blood pressure, increased waist size or abdominal fat) he or she is said to have metabolic syndrome.Apples and Preventing Metabolic Syndrome
Researchers examined the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a large nationally representative survey carried out every year by the government. The researchers found that adults who ate apples and apple products (apple juice and apple sauce) had:- A 30% decrease in the likelihood of high diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number)
- A 36% decrease in the likelihood of high systolic blood pressure (the top number).
- A 82% decrease in the likelihood of having an increase in waist circumference
- A 27% decrease in the likelihood of being diagnosed with metabolic syndrome
Apples Do All That?
Well, no. People who ate lots of apples also got more fruit, fiber, vitamins A and C, calcium and potassium than people are who did not eat a lot of apples. In short, apple eaters ate better than non-apple eaters. So isn't necessarily true that apples are a magical protective food, but that people who eat a lot of apples also probably make better overall health decisions. Whatever the case, upping your weekly fruit intake is a good idea. The study shows what increases in just one type of fruit (apples) can do. Imagine if you add multiple fruits to your diet.Read how to add fruits and vegetables to your diet
Source(s): Fulgoni V, Fulgoni S, Haaga S, Ebert A. Apple consumption is associated with increased nutrient intakes and reduced risk of metabolic syndrome and adults from that National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999 -- 2004). Experimental Biology 2008 Presentation.
