A non-digestable compound present in apples can ward off disorders associated with weight problems like obesity, a new study finds.
It's no secret that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. A new study finds that it can also keep weight disorders at bay. The study was conducted by researchers from Washington State University.
"We know that, in general, apples are a good source of these non digestible compounds but there are differences in varieties," said food scientist Giuliana Noratto, the study's lead researcher in a press statement. "Results from this study will help consumers to discriminate between apple varieties that can aid in the fight against obesity."
Researchers noted that the tart green apples, commonly known as Granny Smith apples, have a high content of non-digestible compounds, which include dietary fiber and polyphenols, and low content of available carbohydrates. These compounds encourage the growth of friendly bacteria in the colon. Even after chewing an being subjected to digestive enzymes and stomach acids, they remain intact when they reach the colon. It is then that they are fragmented by bacteria in the colon.
"The no digestible compounds in the Granny Smith apples actually changed the proportions of fecal bacteria from obese mice to be similar to that of lean mice," Noratto said.
Researchers noted that these compounds could help in the prevention of disorders associated with obesity such as low-grade, chronic inflammation that can lead to diabetes.
"What determines the balance of bacteria in our colon is the food we consume," she said.
Findings of the study were published in October's print edition of the journal Food Chemistry. The study was funded with an Emerging Research Issues Internal Competitive Grant from the Agricultural Research Center at Washington State University's College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences.
