Lifestyle Nov. 2013 | Page 31

28 portion control is a must Apples are an excellent source of antioxidants, which combat free radicals. Free radicals are damaging substances generated in the body that cause undesirable changes and are involved in the aging process and some diseases. Some animal studies have found that an antioxidant found in apples (polyphenols) might extend lifespan. Researchers at The Florida State University said that apples are a "miracle fruit". In their study, the investigators found that older women who starting a regime of eating apples daily experienced a 23 percent drop in levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and a 4% increase in good cho- lesterol (HDL)after just six months. 1 "An Apple A Day Keeps The Grim Reaper Away" Recent developments on the benefits of apples from MNT news Apples and pears can reduce stroke risk by 52%. Researchers from Wageningen University in the Netherlands, found that consuming fruit with white edible portions, such as pears and apples, can potentially reduce the risk of stroke by 52%. They reported their findings in the journal Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.