Health Benefts of Apple Polyphenols

Apples are a popular fruit full of vitamins and fibre, but did you know there have been numerous studies into their potential health benefits? The apple is a rich source of phytochemicals.

Epidemiological studies have linked the consumption of apples with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, asthma and diabetes.

Apple polyphenols are compounds found in apples, it has been suggested that these compounds have a potent antioxidant activity, decrease lipid oxidation and also lower cholesterol. Apple polyphenols may also help to prevent oxidative stress, and therefore reduce the risk of chronic disease and slow down ageing.

Here are six researched health benefits of apple polyphenols:

Support with allergies

An allergic response occurs in response to a foreign substance entering the body, the foreign particle is safe, however the body responds by mounting an excessive immune response. Allergy symptoms may include sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes and skin rash. Allergies are common in people and are thought to affect more than 1 in 4 people across the United Kingdom at some point in their lives 1.

Scientific research suggests apple polyphenols exert beneficial activity against allergic rhinitis - commonly known as hay fever. In a study 33 individuals subjects with persistent allergic rhinitis experienced significant improvements in sneezing attacks and nasal discharge of taking either low dose or high dose apple polyphenol extract 2.

These results show the polyphenols in apples may provide relief from hay fever which gives sufferers options other than medication for the management of allergies.

May alleviate skin inflammation

Skin is the first line of defence for keeping our bodies protected from external stresses, ultraviolet rays, radiation, chemical stress and bacterial infection. Skin is made up of two primary layers, the epidermis and dermis. The epidermis is face on with the external environment and is responsible for functioning as a barrier. Whereas the dermis is situated below the epidermis and is responsible for maintaining the foundations for the skin and providing biological functions.

The anti-allergic effect of apple polyphenol was evaluated in patients with atopic dermatitis - also known as eczema. Great improvements were shown in skin inflammation, cracking and itching of the skin in healthy patients who received supplemental doses of 10mg per kilogram in bodyweight daily for 8 weeks 3.

It can be concluded that apple polyphenols are a great natural remedy to relieve symptoms commonly found in people who suffer with eczema.

May improve cholesterol levels

Apple polyphenols may contribute to heart-health benefits by positively influencing cholesterol metabolism in subjects with a high body mass index. In a study, 71 participants received 600mg per day of polyphenols from either hops or apples, which was compared to a placebo over a 12-week period. The consumption of polyphenols from hops and apples were compared; the results suggest that the effects of the apple polyphenol containing capsules were superior to that from hops, reducing in both total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol 4.