New research suggests eating 2 apples a day may improve heart health by lowering cholesterol. The study found that eating 2 apples a day for 8 weeks could slightly lower high cholesterol levels by up to 4 percent. Apples are high in dietary fiber and polyphenols, chemicals that are thought to have multiple health benefits. It is important to note that after eating apples, their cholesterol levels are still higher than normal cholesterol levels, so apple consumption should not be considered as a substitute for the need for statins to lower cholesterol. Eating apples helps balance our diet, ensures adequate vitamin and mineral intake, reduces the risk of bowel cancer and helps maintain a healthy weight. The study was published in the peer-reviewed medical journal, TheAmericanJournalofClinicalNutrition. It was a randomized crossover trial in which researchers recruited 23 women and 17 men with slightly higher cholesterol levels. They all avoided eating apples, apple juice and any probiotics, such as yogurt, for two weeks before the study began. They were then divided into 2 groups. The first group was asked to consume 2 apples per day for 8 weeks. This was followed by an “interval” period in which the apples were stopped for 4 weeks, followed by apple substitutes for 8 weeks. The apple substitute had the same calories as the fresh apples, but consisted of apple juice concentrate and water. The second group consumed the apple substitute for the first 8 weeks, with a 4-week break, and then ate 2 apples per day for 8 weeks. after 8 weeks, the group that ate 2 apples per day had a lower cholesterol than the apple juice group. CONCLUSION: Eating 2 apples a day may be beneficial in lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The effect was small and participants’ cholesterol levels remained above what is considered healthy, but any reduction is worthwhile in terms of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease (e.g., heart attack or stroke). Apple consumption should also not be considered a substitute for statins, which have been shown to have a greater effect in lowering cholesterol. In conclusion, eating apples may not only lower cholesterol, but also help supplement dietary fiber, thereby reducing the risk of bowel cancer.