Apples and pears face competition from “masses of other fruits” according to Adrian Barlow, chief executive of English Apples & Pears, so the industry must make the most of the research-backed health claims at its fingertips.
In 2003, the World Apple & Pear Association (WAPA) commissioned desk research to identify the health benefits of apples and pears, supported by reputable research.
“It will be an enormous benefit for the industry if we all highlight the same key benefits of top fruit,” said Barlow.
Apples can significantly benefit the heart and circulatory systems, help prevent cancer and keep lungs and respiration healthy, he told delegates at last week’s Prognosfruit. The presence of antioxidants, dietary fibre and potassium to reduce hypertension, the absence of fat and salt and a low GI index all conspire to make the fruit one of the healthiest snacks around.
Presenting a list of the apple’s 10 most important health benefits, all backed up with scientific research, Barlow emphasised how the fruit can: help prevent cardiovascular disease; help prevent coronary mortality and thrombotic stroke; reduce bad cholesterol; help prevent lung cancer; reduce cell growth of prostate cancer; ease asthma and aid healthy lung function; help prevent type II diabetes; be a good source of slow-burning energy; and alleviate hypertension.
“We all know the old adage ‘ an apple a day keeps the doctor away’. A dietician at St George’s Hospital in London recently said: ‘forget superfoods, you can’t beat an apple a day’,” said Barlow.
Reasons to eat pears outlined by Barlow included: high levels of flavonoids (antioxidants); good dietary fibre; reduction of risk of coronary heart disease; helping to prevent cardiovascular disease; high levels of vitamin C; reducing risk of colonic cancer; aiding blood pressure and heartbeat; regulating body fluids and minerals; aiding digestion; reducing hypertension; and assisting with weight loss.
“WAPA will carefully prioritise the health benefits and make sure we have supporting research. We can co-ordinate the nutritional and health benefits of top fruit with all WAPA’s member countries, and publish them on our website with recommendations for future use,” said Barlow. “If all the countries in the world highlight the right benefits to consumers, then the critical mass will be stronger.”
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