Apple Extract Improves LDL Levels, Study Finds

MOMENCE, Ill.A recent study in the Journal of Functional Foods suggests apple polyphenols improve heart health by decreasing plasma values of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL).

In the 30-day, randomized, placebo-controlled study, researchers from Ohio State University gave participants either one apple, 257 mg apple extract (VitaRed from FutureCeuticals) or placebo daily. Participants in the apple per day and apple extract groups experienced 40-percent and 21-percent reductions respectively in oxLDL. Results from the placebo group had no significant difference.

In the past, polyphenols have shown to reduce training fatigue and decrease blood pressure. For more information on these plant-based actives, read INSIDER's feature "The Many Sides of Polyphenols."