One apple a day keeps the doctor away - fact or fiction?
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
One apple a day keeps the doctor away - fact or fiction?
The phrase was first coined in 1913, based on the Pembrokeshire proverb that originated in 1866.
In fact, Notes and Queries magazine published an original quote: "Eat an apple while you sleep, and the doctor will prevent you from getting your bread."
Although research suggests that eating more apples may not lead to fewer visits to the doctor, it can improve many aspects of your health, including apples in your diet (1 Trusted Source Trusted Source).
This article examines whether eating an apple a day can really help keep a doctor away.
Get a membership
Search the Healthline
Nutrition
One apple a day keeps the doctor away - fact or fiction?
Written by Rachel Link, MS, RD on July 6, 2020 - Kathy W. Clinically reviewed by Warwick, RD, CDE.
Purpose
Losses
Other options
Ground level
You probably know the familiar expression "an apple a day keeps the doctor away".
The phrase was first coined in 1913, based on the Pembrokeshire proverb that originated in 1866.
In fact, Notes and Queries magazine published an original quote: "Eat an apple while you sleep, and the doctor will prevent you from getting your bread."
Although research suggests that eating more apples may not lead to fewer visits to the doctor, it can improve many aspects of your health, including apples in your diet (1 Trusted Source Trusted Source).
This article examines whether eating an apple a day can really help keep a doctor away.
Health facilities
Apples are associated with many benefits that help promote long-term health.
Highly nutritious
Apples are packed with important nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Apple provides
Calories: 95
Carbohydrates: 25 grams
Fiber: 4.5 grams
Vitamin C: 9% of daily value (DV)
Copper: 5% DV
Potassium: 4% div
Vitamin K: 3% div
In particular, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant to neutralize harmful compounds called free radicals and protects against disease (3 trusted source).
Apples also contain antioxidants such as quercetin, kefic acid and epicin (4 trusted source).
Supports heart health
Studies show that eating more apples can reduce the risk of many chronic conditions, including heart disease (5 trusted source).
In fact, a study of more than 20,000 adults found that high intake of white fleshy fruits and vegetables, including apples, was associated with a lower risk of stroke (6 trusted source).
Apples are also high in soluble fiber, which can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both of which are risk factors for heart disease (9 trusted source).
It contains anti-cancer compounds
Apples contain many compounds that can prevent cancer, including antioxidants and flavonoids (10 trusted sources).
According to a review of 41 studies, high intake of apples is associated with a lower risk of developing lung lung cancer (11 trusted source).
Another study observes similar results, suggesting that eating more apples reduces the risk of colorectal cancer (12 trusted source).
Other research suggests that a diet high in fruits and vegetables may protect against stomach cancer, colon, lung, lung, oral and esophageal (13 trusted sources).
However, more research is needed to assess the potential anticancer effects of apples and to find out if there are other factors.
Other health benefits
Apples are linked to several other health benefits that can help keep a doctor away:
Support weight loss. Due to the fiber content, apples have been shown to promote feelings of fullness, reduce calorie intake and increase weight loss (14 trusted source, 15 trusted source).
Improve bone health. Human, animal, and test-tube studies have found that eating more fruit increases bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis (16 trusted source, 17 trusted source).
Promote brain function. Animal studies suggest that eating apples can reduce oxidative stress, prevent depression, and help slow aging (13 reliable sources).
Avoid asthma. Studies show that increased apple consumption is associated with a lower risk of asthma (13 trusted source).
Reduce the risk of diabetes According to a large review, eating one apple per day reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 28%, compared to not eating any apples at all (18 trust source).
Summary
Apples are highly nutritious and are associated with many health benefits such as improving heart health and reducing the risk of certain types of cancer.
Potential collapse
Eating an apple every day is not likely to harm your health.
However, this is a very good thing, and eating many apples every day can lead to many side effects.
In particular, rapidly increasing your fiber intake over a short period of time can cause symptoms such as gas, bloating and abdominal pain (19 trusted source).
Like other fruits, apples contain a good portion of carbs in each meal (2 trust source).
While this is not a problem for most people, those who follow a low carb or ketogenic diet need to reduce their intake.
Summary
Eating an apple every day is unlikely to adversely affect your health. However, eating large amounts of apples every day can contribute to digestive problems.
Other healthy options
Apples are an excellent addition to the diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and provide many health benefits.
However, most fruits and vegetables provide the same amount of nutrients and are equally beneficial to health.
Also, including a variety of fruits and vegetables in your daily routine will add more flavor and nutritional value to your diet.
Here are some other fruits and vegetables you can periodically exchange for apples:
Banana
Blue bars
Broccoli
Carrot
Cauliflower
Grapefruit
Cauliflower
Mango
Peach
Rahila
Pineapple
Raspberry
Spinach
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Summary
Most fruits and vegetables provide the same nutritional and health benefits as apples and can be enjoyed as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
The following line
Although eating more apples may not meet the doctor less, apples are rich in nutrients and provide many benefits for disease prevention and long-term health.
In addition to apples, many other fruits and vegetables offer the same nutritional and health benefits.
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
Comments
Post a Comment