THE Australian apple industry's campaign to sell the health benefits of its produce received a boost recently with the release of a CSIRO report.
Produced by Peter Roupas and Associate Professor Manny Noakes, the 56-page 2010 Apples Report confirmed there was a growing body of research on the role of apples in human health.
Dr Noakes said there was evidence that apple consumption could reduce cholesterol levels and the symptoms of chronic hayfever and dermatitis, lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and asthma, and help with weight management.
The report also found convincing evidence of a lower risk of six cancers: mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, lung and stomach.
"Importantly, many of these benefits could be achieved through normal consumption of one to three (whole) apples a day - which is both achievable and affordable for most Australian households," Dr Noakes said.
Most of the benefits came from phytonutrients, many of them strong antioxidants that were concentrated in the peel and found at higher levels in ''darker, redder and bluer coloured apples".
The report referred to a study last year that found antioxidant levels could be boosted by post-harvest cold storage - at 1C for 4 1/2 months - but fell when apples were stored at 20C.
Apple and Pear Australia general manager Tony Russell said the independent report would help build awareness, and hopefully consumption, of apples through publicity in the general and consumer media.
"It won't necessarily lead to increased apple sales next week," Mr Russell said.
"It's more of a long-term strategy to build people's awareness of nutrition and the specific benefits of eating apples."
Commissioned by Horticulture Australia, the report was based on a review of 112 studies conducted on animals and humans over more than 20 years.
