El consumo de manzanas contribuye a prevenir el desarrollo de enfermedades cardiovasculares y cáncer: Antecedentes epidemiológicos y mecanismos de acción

Abstract

Consumption of fruit and vegetables has the potential to reduce non transmissible diseases (NTD), such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cancer, which are major public health concerns. Chile is a major apple producer and exporter in the world. Its production is concentrated in the sixth (O'Higgings) and seventh (Maule) regions of Central Chile. Phenolics and flavonoids are responsible for apple's high antioxidant activity. Many epidemiologic studies have shown that a diet rich in apples can reduce cardiovascular events (myocardial infarct and stroke) and some type of cancers. The mechanisms involved are not well understood. Nevertheless, antioxidants are keyplayers. Some of their in-vitro activities are inhibition of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, cholesterol levels reduction, endothelium protection, reduction of neoplastic cells proliferation and apoptosis activation. As a consequence, daily apple consumption campaigns in the country should be implemented, as well as funding research focused on molecular mechanisms involved in its antioxidant activity.