Research Roundup: Two Apples a Day Boost Heart Health; Weight Loss May Lower Breast Cancer Risk; Multivitamins Improve Micronutrients in Older Adults
Two Apples a Day Boost Heart Health. Eating two apples each day can lower cholesterol and reduce risk of heart disease, according to researchers. Forty volunteers with mild high cholesterol consumed either two apples a day or an apple drink (equal sugar and calorie content as the apple group), for eight weeks. Only those who ate the apples decreased their total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels and improved blood vessel health, which can lower risk of heart disease. Apples are rich in fiber and polyphenols, powerful, health-promoting, plant compounds.
(The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, December 2019)
Weight Loss May Lower Breast Cancer Risk. In women aged 50 and over, sustained weight loss, even small amounts, is associated with reduced risk of breast cancer, according to researchers. The study analyzed data from over 180,000 women aged 50 and over for ten years, with two five-year follow-ups. As long as the weight loss was sustained over time, even modest amounts decreased breast cancer risk. Women who lost up to 10 pounds had a 13 percent lower risk, and those who lost over 20 pounds had a 26 percent reduced risk.
(Journal of the National Cancer Institute, December 2019)
Multivitamins Improve Micronutrients in Older Adults. Taking a multivitamin can help middle-aged and older adults reach adequate intake of important micronutrients, researchers say. Data of nearly 10,000 participants aged 51 and over was analyzed by frequency and weight status. Consistent use and sporadic use are associated with more participants meeting nutritional requirements for micronutrients, regardless of weight. Non-obese and obese users were less likely to be deficient in vitamins B6, B12 and D. Obese adults may have higher requirements for vitamins B6 and D, making multivitamins especially helpful.
(Journal of Dietary Supplements, August 2019)
The post Research Roundup: Two Apples a Day Boost Heart Health; Weight Loss May Lower Breast Cancer Risk; Multivitamins Improve Micronutrients in Older Adults appeared first on University Health News.
