Well here’s a recently published bit of health advice that sounds interesting, do-able and sensible.
A research study in the USA looked at the effects of eating dried apple (75g per day) on the ‘bad cholesterol’ levels of post-menopausal women – and the results looked extraordinarily encouraging. Now, if you look behind the press coverage hype – you know the sort of thing … “Apples prevent heart disease!” – it seems to me that this is a win-win situation.
The idea behind the research was to see whether there was something that ordinary people could do with ordinary food, rather than taking a pill made from chemicals extracted from apples. I like that idea enormously. I suspect that the producers of statins would like the idea less.
So the responsible thing to do, in my view, would be for anyone (& not only post- menopausal women) who’s had their cholesterol checked and whose LDL is a bit on the high side (but whose levels have not triggered a response from their GP to start taking statin medication) to give this a go. 75g of dried apple (can be eaten dry, or soaked in water) every day for 6 months. Then get another blood test. What have you got to lose? It will either show an improvement or not. If it’s improved, keep eating the apples. If not, take the medication if recommended and it’s what you want to do. In the meantime, you will have increased your intake of a natural food that is high in antioxidants.
Click if you want to read the NHS review of the research.
My favourite supplier of high quality organic wholefoods is Naturally Good Food – they do mail order, but if you live not too far from Lutterworth in Leicestershire, it makes a delightful visit (especially combined with The Garden Barn just across the way). It’s about a 30 minute drive from Daventry. I’m a great believer in feeding the soul as well as the body, so a combined visit in the company of a good friend, good conversation and, yes, even a cup of excellent coffee – can do wonders for your wellbeing.
Call me on 07970 295177 – for tailor-made lifestyle guidance & treatment.
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