Apple a day 'keeps strokes away'

It is a well known saying that 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away'. But now nutritionists say there is some truth in the assertion - and believe that eating just one apple or pear daily could half the risk of having a stroke. Both are examples of white-fleshed fruit, which is important because that means they contain large amounts of a plant compound called quercetin. This biochemical has been shown to reduce inflammation, which is relevant because inflammation is linked to hardening of the arteries: cardiovascular disease. Researchers at Wageningen University in the Netherlands who studied 20,000 adults, found those who ate more white-fleshed fruit and vegetables were less likely to suffer a stroke over 10 years. They calculated that stroke risk decreased by nine per cent for every 25g (just under one ounce) of apple or pear eaten each day

Cherries help heart, help prevent diabetes

Cherries, a super fruit, may reduce factors associated with heart disease and diabetes, a U.S. researcher suggests. Lona Sandon, assistant professor of clinical nutrition at University Southwestern Medical Center and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, says the fruit's red color is a cue to its antioxidant and health benefits. "Cherries are particularly high in quercetin, a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory compound," Sandon says in a statement. "While apples are the top source of quercertin in the typical American diet, gram for gram, cherries pack just as much of this valuable nutrient." Fresh cherries or apples have about 3 milligrams of quercetin per 7-ounce serving. However, processing concentrates quercetin, so there's about twice the amount of the compound in juices and other processed offerings, Sandon says. "Cherries are available year-round in dried, frozen and juice form, so they're easy to incorporate into your daily diet," Sandon says. - United Press International