The old proverb of “an apple a day…” is once again proven to hold true according to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Both the University of Hong Kong and Rutgers University proclaim that the extracts from apple seeds help to reduce toxins found in fried meat.

Carnivores might find it useful to know that when meats are cooked at high temperatures chemicals called heterocyclic amines arise. Research has shown that each time one bites into a burger or similar meat products they are risking the contraction of certain cancers. Breast, colon, stomach and pancreatic cancers are all linked to these chemicals. It is a partial link, but a frightening one nonetheless.

There is a solution beyond going vegetarian. In the universities’ testing, it was discovered that the extracts from apple seeds were able to stomp out the formation of heterocyclic amines by about seventy percent. To be more accurate, MeIQx heterocyclic amines were reduced by sixty-nine percent and PhIP heterocyclic amines were reduced by fifty-nine percent. The extract provided such impressive results due to three active factors: proanthocyanidins, phloridzin and chlorogenic acid. Proanthocyanidins reduced both forms of heterocyclic amines while phloridzn did so only with PhIP and chlorogenic only with MeIQx.

Regarding their work, the researchers wrote, "The findings provide valuable information for the development of effective strategies to minimize the HCA content of cooked meats and to identify several new natural products that may have new applications in the food industry." They suggest the incubation of meat with the apple seed extracts before it is fried. It is the most effective and beneficial way to reduce the amount of heterocyclic amines and limit the health risks that are associated with the chemicals. It should also be noted that grape seed extracts yielded similar results.

Furthermore, apples have always been cited as “nature’s candy” and with good reason. They provide the body with so many benefits by such healthy and inexpensive means. Among these advantages is the prevention of several diseases such as lung, breast, colon and liver cancer. According to studies, apples can lower the risk of these cancers by around forty-three to fifty-seven percent. Alzheimer’s can also benefit from the fruit. The flavonoid called quercertin protects cells in the brain from the damage that leads to the disease.

Apples can also minimize the symptoms of those already afflicted by illness. A study showed that drinking apple juice daily can make the wheezing associated with asthma less frequent and bothersome. Furthermore, children born to women who eat apples regularly are less likely to contract asthma at all. Apples can also maintain diabetes and lower the needs for insulin. Also, those suffering from high cholesterol can turn to apples to assist in lowering it by sixteen percent.

People with concerns for their outward appearance should take advantage of the apple as well. It is shown to prevent wrinkles and encourage hair growth. Finally, apples are a good source of dietary fiber and help with digestion and ultimately weight loss.