Does An Apple a Day Really Keep the Doctor Away?
Many of us have been told since our little feet could walk and little minds could talk that “eating an apple a day will keep the doctor away,” and it wasn’t until now, as an adult who’s trying to preserve age instead of wish for it to come, that I wondered if the proverb was true.
The Truth Is…
So my research started, and while I was excited to find the truth, I wasn’t surprised by the results: the answer is a big fat NO. An Apple A Day doesn’t really keep the doctor away, but, of course, there are still benefits to this lifestyle. Eating fruit daily is generally beneficial to your health because it’s maintaining a balanced diet, but the apple in particular, does have unique benefits.
The Research
A study, found by Medical News Today, suggests that those who eat an apple a day are less likely to need prescription medication. “The daily apple eaters were also more likely to successfully avoid prescription medication use (47.7% versus 41.8%) – and this difference survived statistical analysis.” (MNT) While this doesn’t mean you are at the doctor’s office less than others, it does imply that you are less likely to have as many health problems. Apples, in particular to other fruit, are a main source of fiber and in one large apple (typically a one cup serving, based off of a 2,000 calorie diet), your daily dose of fruit is half-way met! The nutrients of apples also have shown to be beneficial to weight loss, as they curve appetite, and have been proven to lower “cholesterol and heart disease makers” (EatingWell). I’m not saying this lightly, either. Apples are great for the heart. It has been proven that “apples were associated with a lower risk of death from both coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease” in women (EatingWell). If that’s not reason enough to have an apple a day, then I’m not sure what is!
Skip the Seeds
Although Apples are endlessly beneficial, there are a few concerns. The seeds in apples contain cyanide, and while this is manageable in small doses, it’s highly unhealthy in large amounts (i.e. every day) and can be fatal, and therefore should not be consumed. They also contain acid that “could be up to four times more damaging than carbonated drinks” (MNT). Don’t forget to brush, my friends!
The Verdict
While research has led us to believe that an apple a day doesn’t really keep the doctor away, it has proven that it helps keep tons of diseases away, as well as those extremely serious doctors visits. The benefits to an apple a day are extraordinary, like protecting our prized possessions on the inside (our heart, of course), and allowing us to lead healthier daily lives and protect our future health, as well. It’s safe to say, an apple a day is more likely to keep diseases away, and that’s good enough for us!
Sources:
Eating Well
Medical News Today
