5 Reasons to Make Apples Your Valentine This Year

Move over, Cupid, the U.S. Apple Association (USApple) has found the perfect Valentine: Apples. February is American Heart Month, and USApple is reminding people that eating apples can be one of the most convenient and accessible ways to fight many of the factors that contribute to heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.

"Not only are apples versatile and delicious, but they're a super food packed with powerful antioxidants and heart health benefits," said Wendy Brannen, Director of Consumer Health and Public Relations, USApple. "For anyone still looking for a Valentine that is sure to protect your heart, look no further than your local grocery store."

Whether or not you're still searching for that special someone, here are five reasons to make apples your significant other this year:

1. An Ohio State University study recently found that eating an apple a day for four weeks lowered blood levels of oxidized LDL - the bad cholesterol - by 40%.

2. A University of Oxford (UK) study found that eating an apple once a day may be just as beneficial as daily statin use when it comes to preventing vascular deaths in individuals over 50.

3. A University of Florida study found eating two apples a day reduced LDL by 23%.

4. Studies show people who eat apples or apple products regularly are more likely to have lower blood pressure and trimmer waistlines.

5. U.S. researchers report that for every 10 grams of fiber consumed per day the risk of developing heart disease may decrease 14 percent, and the risk of dying from heart disease may decrease 27 percent. They also found that fiber from fruits appeared to be slightly more protective than cereal fiber, lowering the risk of coronary disease death by 30 percent.

Sources for these and other studies are available by contacting USApple.

About USApple
U.S. Apple Association is the national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 40 state and regional associations representing the 7,500 apple growers throughout the country, as well as more than 400 individual firms involved in the apple business. More information on the organization is available at USApple.org.

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