Vienna, Va. - Get healthy with apples and apple products during National Nutrition Month^®! Everyone knows that apples are tasty, healthful, convenient treats. Now, new research has shown that apples may in fact contribute healthful nutrients towards disease prevention.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently categorized apples as one of the top 20 antioxidant sources. Studies have shown that antioxidants may play a role in disease prevention through their ability to protect cells from damage by substances called free radicals. Two-thirds of the antioxidants are found in the peel of the apple. In addition, important antioxidants found in apples also pass through to apple juice and apple cider, so you can also drink your way to better health.

In the past year, research has suggested that apples and apple products, including apple juice, cider and sauce, may help prevent diseases such as breast cancer and Alzheimer's.

A study conducted by Dr. Rui Hai Liu of Cornell University found that the consumption of apples may offer protection against cancer, specifically mammary (breast) cancer, in animals. The more apples consumed, the greater the reduction in incidence or number of tumors among test animals, who consumed the equivalent of one to six apples a day.

In addition, research from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, led by Dr. Thomas Shea, found that the consumption of apple juice, in conjunction with a balanced diet, may protect against cell damage that contributes to age-related memory loss. Researchers credited the naturally high level of antioxidants found in apples for protecting the aged mice from oxidative stress caused by a nutrient-deficient diet. The brain health benefits were found when animals consumed the equivalent of 2-3 cups of apple juice or 2-4 whole apples per day.

"Step Up to Nutrition and Health" during National Nutrition Month^® and all year long by eating an apple or more a day!

Note: The text of this release can be downloaded from the News Releases section of USApple's Media Web site, at http://www.usapple.org/media/newsreleases/index.shtml. The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) is the national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 40 state and regional apple associations representing the 7,500 apple growers throughout the country, as well as more than 400 individual firms involved in the apple business. USApple's mission is to provide the means for all segments of the U.S. apple industry to join in appropriate collective efforts to profitably produce and market apples and apple products.