Facts about 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away'

While the phrase 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away', was first coined in 1913, it was based on a Pembroke-shire proverb that originated in 1866.

Iran PressAmerica: According to healthline.com, 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.

Health benefits

Apples have been associated with a number of benefits that could help promote long-term health.

Highly nutritious

Apples are loaded with important nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

One medium apple provides the following nutrients:

Apples are highly nutritious and have been associated with several health benefits, including improved heart health and a reduced risk of certain types of cancer.

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 are also a great source of antioxidants like quercetin, caffeic acid, and epicatechin.

Supports heart health

Studies show that eating more apples could be associated with a lower risk of several chronic conditions, including heart disease.

In fact, one study in over 20,000 adults found that consuming higher amounts of white-fleshed fruits and vegetables, including apples, was linked to a lower risk of stroke.

This may be due to the presence of flavonoids found in apples, which are compounds that have been shown to reduce inflammation and protect heart health.

Apples are also loaded with soluble fiber, which may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both of which are risk factors for heart disease.

Contains cancer-fighting compounds

Apples contain several compounds that may help prevent cancer formation, including antioxidants and flavonoids.

According to one review of 41 studies, consuming a higher amount of apples was associated with a decreased risk of developing lung cancer.

Another study observed similar findings, reporting that eating more apples was tied to a lower risk of colorectal cancer.

Other research suggests that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables could protect against cancer of the stomach, colon, lungs, oral cavity, and esophagus.

However, more research is needed to evaluate the potential anticancer effects of apples and determine whether other factors may be involved.

Other health benefits

Apples have also been linked to several other health benefits that could help keep the doctor away:

Support weight loss.

Improve bone health.

Promote brain function.

Protect against asthma.

Reduce the risk of diabetes. 

Apples are highly nutritious and have been associated with several health benefits, including improved heart health and a reduced risk of certain types of cancer.

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.

Many fruits and vegetables, including bananas, blueberries, broccoli,carrots, cauliflower, grapefruit, mango, peaches, etc. offer a set of nutrients and health benefits that are similar to those of apples, and they can be enjoyed as part of a healthy, balanced diet. 

The bottom line

Although eating more apples may not literally be associated with fewer visits to the doctor, apples are rich in nutrients and offer several benefits for disease prevention and long-term health.

In addition to apples, many other fruits and vegetables provide a similar set of nutrients and health benefits.

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