According to a research team from Glasgow University, the apples which are used to make English cider have the same health benefits as eating apples.

English cider apples it seems have particularly high levels of "phenolic antioxidants" which are thought to give protection against strokes and cancer.

The researchers have found that apples and cider vary in their levels of phenolics and this is dependent on two factors, the type of apples used and the production methods.

On the strength of their convictions they have planned a further study in order to see how humans absorb phenolics from cider.

This study will be funded by the UK National Association of Cider Makers and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

The trial will involve 12 participants who will drink a pint of cider each and, in order to ensure the volunteers do not consume the antioxidants from other food sources, they will avoid all other dietary sources of antioxidants, and urine and blood samples will be taken and analysed.

Study leader Serena Marks, says previous research suggests there may be an association between phenolics and protection against some serious diseases, so they are trying to find out how people get phenolics from their diet.

She believes the production methods of cider could be adapted so that the phenolic levels remain high, even after fermentation.

Professor Nigel Brown, of the BBSRC, says the research is exciting in that it shows how scientists and industry can work together to improve manufacturing techniques, not just for economic gain, but to bring about potential health benefits for the public too.

English cider is an alcoholic drink made from apples which are first crushed and then fermented; it usually has an alcoholic content of 5% or more and is stronger than beer.

The Brits are the greatest cider drinkers in the world and in UK it is available as sweet, medium or dry and in Somerset as 'scrumpy', a rather rough but potent version!

They say the first step is to check your blood pressure on a regular basis so you know your situation;

exercise as this can lower blood pressure by 10 points; eat a diet which is rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts; lose weight if you are overweight; don't smoke as smoking one cigarette can cause a 20-point rise in systolic blood pressure; drink alcohol in moderation; watch your salt as too much sodium and too little potassium can boost blood pressure; get at least six hours a night; reduce stress as both mental and emotional stress can raise blood pressure but meditation and deep breathing can lower it; and keep taking your medications that will stave off strokes and heart attacks.

Dr. Haiou Yang's research is published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, online August 28, 2006.

The Harvard Heart Letter is available from Harvard Health Publications.