Effect of Apples on Serum Cholesterol Levels in Humans

Seventy-six free living male volunteers in the age group 30 to 50 years were paired in two groups based on similar cholesterol levels. Each individual in one group ate at least two apples per day over the period November 17 to March 10 while the corresponding individuals in the other group ate only three apples, or their fruit equivalent, per week. No other dietary control was exerted on the subjects. Serum cholesterol levels were measured every 3 to 4 weeks during the experiment and the apple group had consistently lower mean levels, significantly so on the last two analysis dates, than the 'non' apple group. The largest difference found in mean serum cholesterol levels between the groups was 8.1%. The results of this experiment could have application in the context of long-term modification of dietary patterns in relation to heart disease risk both in a general community sense and also in hyperlipidaemic subjects.