******INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY******
AN APPLE A DAY CAN KEEP THE DOCTOR AWAY THIS WINTER
WHAT?
By eating apples this winter we may protect ourselves from colds and flu,
according to several research studies conducted in the United States.¹
WHEN?
w/c 1 June – first week of winter
WHO?
Dietitian and author Karen Kingham, APD
WHY?
One study investigated the role of the apple antioxidant quercetin in protecting from
upper respiratory infections by examining male cyclists after three days of intense
training. In the two weeks following the training, nearly half of the placebo group
(45%) experienced upper respiratory tract infections, compared with only 5% of the
group who had consumed the apple antioxidant.²
According to dietitian Karen Kingham, this research is relevant to all of us as we look
to boost our immune system this winter. “Quercetin has been shown to have both
antiviral and antibacterial effects and apples are the second highest contributor of
dietary quercetin intake in the Australian population next to black tea.”
Research has linked apple consumption with protection from a range of diseases
relating to lung function. Along with this research on colds and flu, apples have also
been associated with a reduced risk of lung cancer and asthma.¹
“Researchers believe it is the high antioxidant capacity of apples that makes them so
powerful when it comes to health benefits,” said Karen Kingham. “And it appears
that these specific apple antioxidants may play an important role in lung function.”
“In reviewing the scientific research on apples and their health benefits, we are
learning just what a superfood the apple is,” said Karen Kingham. “And when it
comes to fruits, an apple is actually one of the best known fruit sources of
antioxidants, with a greater antioxidant capacity than half a punnet of blueberries or
half a cup of strawberries,” she said.
So an apple a day this winter – along with your cup of tea – makes good preventative
action to help keep colds and flu away.
References:
1.
Kingham, K. Apple Review 2009: A Nutrition and Health Update.
2.
Nieman et al. Quercetin reduces illness but not immune perturbations after extensive exercise. Medicine &
Science in Sport & Exercise 2007:39(9);1561-1569
—Ends—
Issued on behalf of Horticulture Australia. For further information, photography or to
or arrange an interview with Karen Kingham, please contact
(02) 9969 6633 or 0418 443 886.
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