The old saying “an apple a day, keeps the doctor away” might have some basis to it, especially if you’re over the age of 50. Researchers from Oxford University assume that eating an apple a day could prevent up to 8 500 heart attack and stroke related deaths in the UK each year. As we get older, particularly if you’re older than 50, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases, which makes this research very important. The only hiccup is that the assumptions are calculated from a scientific model and not a study.
Researchers went on to say that apples aren’t the only fruit that could be beneficial in preventing heart disease and stroke, and eating at least one more fruit a day can improve your health at any age. According to the researcher’s calculations, 11 000 vascular deaths could be averted each year if people ate a second portion of fruit or veg a day. However, the main challenge lies in getting people to actually eat that second piece of fruit or veg. If you’re someone who prefers meat and potatoes to fruit and veg, here are a few easy ways you can incorporate more of the fresh stuff into your daily diet.
- Add a sliced banana and a quarter cup of raisins to your morning oats or low-fat yogurt.
- To help combat an afternoon snack attack, keep grapes, apples, plums, strawberries or any other fruit on hand.
- If you’re craving a sweet treat after dinner, eat a couple slices of sweet melon or watermelon. They’re tasty, juicy alternatives to traditional desserts
- Carrot, cucumber and celery sticks with hummus make a filling and nutritious mid-morning or afternoon snack.
- You can also try out Heleen Meyer’s Granola and fresh summer fruit breakfast.
Read the original story here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-25413939