Ample in an apple!

Apples may prove to be a winner when it comes to reducing the risk of heart disease,says a new study of more than 34,000 women. In this study,flavonoid-rich apples were found to be one of three foods (along with red wine and pears) that decrease the risk of mortality for both coronary heart disease (CHD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) among post-menopausal women. The findings were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Women of all ages are encouraged to consume more fruit and vegetables,including apples and apple products,for heart health. However,this study focused on postmenopausal woman,a group becoming more aware of the risk for heart disease. As a result of the extensive analysis that considered what the women ate,the types of cardiovascular-related diseases they experienced,and the overall flavonoid content of an extensive list of foods,the researchers concluded that consumption of apples,pears and red wine were linked with the lowest risk for mortality related to both CHD and CVD (not just one or the other). According to nutrition consultant Geetu Amarnani,“Besides apples containing a wide variety of flavonoid compounds good for the heart,apples are low in calories and fat,low in sodium and contain vitamins,minerals and fibre. It helps in increasing health and vitality to keep active throughout the day. The phytochemicals present in apple helps to reduce the problems such as cancer,diabetes,cardiovascular diseases and asthma.”

Adding to that Sumit Saran of The SCS Group,which represents the Washington Apple Commission in India remarked,“There are around 7,500 varieties of apple grown around the world today. Among these the best are planted in the commercial orchards of Washington State. Some of the popular variants of Washington Apples which are now available in India are juicy Red Delicious,mildly sweet Golden Delicious,green and juicy Granny Smith to name a few.” Here’s how to put the apples to good use.

Sesame Apple Salad
2 Washington Apples
2 medium carrots
1 bunch small radish
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint

Dressing
1/4 cup cider vinegar
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp sesame seeds,toasted

Method
Quarter apples; remove core and thinly slice. Set aside in large bowl. Peel carrots and cut into matchstick pieces. Add to apples. Slice radishes and cut into thin strips. Add to apples. Gently toss with raisins,parsley and mint. In small bowl,whisk together,vinegar,honey,Dijon,salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in oil. Just before serving,toss salad with dressing and sprinkle with sesame seeds.