An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away — Fact or Fiction?
Healthline – by Rachael Link, MS, RD – July 6, 2020
You likely know the familiar expression, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
While the phrase was first coined in 1913, it was based on a Pembrokeshire proverb that originated in 1866.
In fact, Notes and Queries magazine was the first to publish the original quote: “Eat an apple on going to bed, and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread.”
Although research shows that eating more apples may not actually be associated with fewer visits to the doctor, adding apples to your diet can help improve several aspects of your health.
This article takes a closer look at whether eating an apple a day can truly help keep the doctor away.
Apples have been associated with a number of benefits that could help promote long-term health.
Apples are loaded with important nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
One medium apple provides the following nutrients (2Trusted Source):
Calories: 95
Carbs: 25 grams
Fiber: 4.5 grams
Vitamin C: 9% of the Daily Value (DV)
Copper: 5% of the DV
Potassium: 4% of the DV
Vitamin K: 3% of the DV
In particular, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant to neutralize harmful compounds known as free radicals and protects against disease.
Apples have also been linked to several other health benefits that could help keep the doctor away:
Supports heart health, Contains cancer-fighting compounds, Support weight loss, Improve bone health, Promote brain function, Protect against asthma & Reduce the risk of diabetes.
Eating an apple every day is unlikely to negatively affect your health. However, eating excessive amounts of apples every day could contribute to digestive issues.
Posted by Teri Perticone
Share
