Apple or Pear a Day Protects Brain Health
A new study has found that consuming fruit with a white interior, such as apples and pears, can protect your body against strokes — adding to the pile of research that suggests fruit consumption can help slash your risk of disease. Fruit with a white interior contain both fiber and flavonoids, two potent nutrients that researchers say is why these foods are so protective against stroke.
CBS News reports:
“Two nutrients in particular,” Phillips said. “The first is fiber. Fiber has been shown to lower your blood pressure, probably the most important factor for reducing stroke risk. Another is a flavonoid that prevents plaque building up in the arteries, which also prevents heart disease.
“Both apples and pears, in particular, are high in those nutrients. Cauliflower, cucumbers, bananas — all of those things are high in those nutrients that prevent stroke.”
“The most important risk factors (for stroke), Phillips pointed out, “are high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Outside of that, if you cut out the smoking, you’re cutting your risk dramatically. Diabetes is a risk factor, and a previous history of heart disease or a family history of stroke, they matter also.
