Apple phytochemicals and their health benefits. Jeanelle Boyer and Rui Hai Liu. Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. Published: 12 May 2004. Abstract: Evidence suggests that a diet high in fruits and vegetables may decrease the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Apples are a rich source of phytochemicals, including quercetin, catechin, phloridzin, and chlorogenic acid, which are strong antioxidants. Apple phytochemicals vary between varieties and during ripening, but are not significantly affected by storage. Research shows that apple consumption is linked to reduced risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and diabetes. Apples have strong antioxidant activity, inhibit cancer cell proliferation, decrease lipid oxidation, and lower cholesterol. The purpose of this paper is to review the health benefits of apples and their phytochemicals, bioavailability, and factors affecting their quality. Background: Cardiovascular disease and cancer are leading causes of death in the US and industrialized countries. A healthy diet could prevent 30% of all cancers. High cholesterol and obesity are costly and linked to diet. Understanding diet's effect on chronic disease may help prevent it. Studies show that fruits and vegetables reduce cancer risk, coronary heart disease, and other illnesses. Phytochemicals, such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, are thought to protect against chronic disease by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, regulating inflammation, and protecting against lipid oxidation. Apple phytochemicals, including flavonoids, are important in reducing chronic disease risk. Apples are a significant source of flavonoids in the US and Europe. Studies show that apple consumption is associated with lower cancer risk, especially lung cancer. Flavonoid intake is linked to lower total mortality. Apples also have strong antioxidant activity and may help protect against cataracts, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and asthma. Cardiovascular disease: Apple consumption is linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Flavonoid intake is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular events. Apple and broccoli intake are linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and events. Quercetin does not have a significant association with cardiovascular disease. Apple intake is associated with increased lung function and weight loss. Asthma and pulmonary function: Apple consumption is inversely linked with asthma and positively associated with general pulmonary health. Studies show that apple and pear intake is associated with reduced asthma risk and bronchial hypersensitivity. Apple intake is associated with increased lung function and reduced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Diabetes and weight loss: Apple consumption is associated with reduced risk of type II diabetes. Apple and pear intake is associated with weight loss in middle-aged overweight women. Apple consumption is associated with lower blood glucose levels. Summary: Epidemiological studies suggest that apples may play a large role in reducing the risk of chronic disease and maintaining aApple phytochemicals and their health benefits. Jeanelle Boyer and Rui Hai Liu. Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. Published: 12 May 2004. Abstract: Evidence suggests that a diet high in fruits and vegetables may decrease the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Apples are a rich source of phytochemicals, including quercetin, catechin, phloridzin, and chlorogenic acid, which are strong antioxidants. Apple phytochemicals vary between varieties and during ripening, but are not significantly affected by storage. Research shows that apple consumption is linked to reduced risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and diabetes. Apples have strong antioxidant activity, inhibit cancer cell proliferation, decrease lipid oxidation, and lower cholesterol. The purpose of this paper is to review the health benefits of apples and their phytochemicals, bioavailability, and factors affecting their quality. Background: Cardiovascular disease and cancer are leading causes of death in the US and industrialized countries. A healthy diet could prevent 30% of all cancers. High cholesterol and obesity are costly and linked to diet. Understanding diet's effect on chronic disease may help prevent it. Studies show that fruits and vegetables reduce cancer risk, coronary heart disease, and other illnesses. Phytochemicals, such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, are thought to protect against chronic disease by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, regulating inflammation, and protecting against lipid oxidation. Apple phytochemicals, including flavonoids, are important in reducing chronic disease risk. Apples are a significant source of flavonoids in the US and Europe. Studies show that apple consumption is associated with lower cancer risk, especially lung cancer. Flavonoid intake is linked to lower total mortality. Apples also have strong antioxidant activity and may help protect against cataracts, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and asthma. Cardiovascular disease: Apple consumption is linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Flavonoid intake is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular events. Apple and broccoli intake are linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and events. Quercetin does not have a significant association with cardiovascular disease. Apple intake is associated with increased lung function and weight loss. Asthma and pulmonary function: Apple consumption is inversely linked with asthma and positively associated with general pulmonary health. Studies show that apple and pear intake is associated with reduced asthma risk and bronchial hypersensitivity. Apple intake is associated with increased lung function and reduced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Diabetes and weight loss: Apple consumption is associated with reduced risk of type II diabetes. Apple and pear intake is associated with weight loss in middle-aged overweight women. Apple consumption is associated with lower blood glucose levels. Summary: Epidemiological studies suggest that apples may play a large role in reducing the risk of chronic disease and maintaining a