In the study, the rodents were given either a 'standard' diet, a diet with apple pectin (most notable as a source of dietary fiber), or a diet with freeze-dried powder made from whole apples. The amount of food, total calories, sugars and fiber content of the diets was held constant for each group. At the end of four months, researchers examined the following markers for heart disease: cholesterol level, oxidative stress level, blood pressure, and overall heart function.

Initial results, discussed and presented at the ADA meeting this week showed that both the whole apple powder and the apple pectin reduced cholesterol levels. In addition, the whole apple powder also reduced oxidative stress (as measured in the blood samples), reduced blood pressure, and increased heart function.

SOURCE The U.S. Apple Association; The Apple Products Research & Education Council