Cholesterol and Women: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Levels at Bay

Cholesterol levels in women can be lowered by eating an apple every day, according to findings in a new study. The study also showed that daily consumption of apples improves HDL cholesterol levels without causing weight gain.

According to researcher Bahram H. Arjmandi, women who consumed 75 grams of apples daily over a six-month period lowered their LDL cholesterol levels by 23 percent. HDL cholesterol levels increased by four percent.

The study, which lasted one year, was conducted on 160 women aged 45 to 65.

In addition to decreased levels of LDL cholesterol, researchers also found that added calories from eating an apple every day didnt lead to weight gain. Women participating in the study lost an average of 3.3 pounds over the year.

Keri Gans, dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, said, consuming fresh apples would likely have the same effect as dried apples. The cholesterol-lowering benefits in apples likely come from their high fiber content, Gans added.