“An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is a common English-language proverb of Welsh origin dating back to the 1860’s. The original wording was “Eat an apple on going to bed, and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread.”
The current phrasing, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”, began usage at the end of the 19th century, as early as 1899.
So what is it about this fruit that makes it so special?
Apples are extremely rich in important antioxidants, flavanoids, and dietary fiber. The phytonutrients and antioxidants in apples may help reduce the risk of developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.
Consider the following test results of the benefits of consuming an apple a day:
- Improves neurological health
- Helps in prevention of dementia
- Reduces the risk of strokes
- Lowers levels of bad cholesterol
- Lowers the risks of diabetes
- Can help ward against Breast Cancer
- Benefit good gut bacteria to help with obesity. (Granny Smith seems to be the best for this)
A little power house packed with Nutrients!
Apples contain almost no fat, sodium or cholesterol. Apples deserve to be called “nutritional powerhouses“.
They contain the following important nutrients:
- Vitamin C – a powerful natural antioxidant capable of blocking some of the damage caused by free radicals, as well as boosting the body’s resistance against infectious agents, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
- B-complex vitamins (riboflavin, thiamin, and vitamin B-6) – these vitamins are key in maintaining red blood cells and the nervous system in good health.
- Dietary fiber – the British National Health Service2 says that a diet high in fiber can help prevent the development of certain diseases and may help prevent the amount of bad cholesterol in your blood from rising.
- Phytonutrients – apples are rich in polyphenolic compounds”. These phytonutrients help protect the body from the detrimental effects of free radicals.
- Minerals such as calcium, potassium, and phosphorus.
And remember… Most of the fiber and antioxidants are in the peel. So bite into an apple today and enjoy all the healthful benefits this little fruit can provide!