An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away - Myth or Fact?

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

You must have heard “Apple a day keeps the doctor away” but what does that mean? Well, it has a very straightforward and precise meaning that eating apples maintains good health and acts as a bodyguard to save your body from diseases. 

The proverb was first published in print in 1866. Though almost 150 years later, a medical journal has used the excuse of April Fool’s Day to publish a study that questions – seriously – If this wisdom really does keep the doctor away. 

The investigation reveals to us that the "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" saying was printed in 1913. However, originally this proverb had a different rhythm to it! It is actually based on a Pembrokeshire proverb that originated in 1866 approximately 149 years ago in Wales  which said “Eat an apple on going to bed and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread"

An Apple a Day Keeps a Doctor Away

Mother Nature has been very kind to us to provide us with numerous healthy and delicious fruits and vegetables. Apple is one of those blessings from nature which got its popularity with the proverb 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away'. 

Let us discuss the health benefits of apples to analyse if the proverb serves any meaning or not-

Health Benefits

Apples are considered as a source of a number of health benefits that could help us to have a healthy lifestyle while saying Goodbye to some of the most hazardous diseases.

  • Highly Nutritious 

Nutritious

Apples are stacked with significant supplements, including nutrients, fiber, minerals, and cancer prevention agents.

Here are following nutrients that apple provides us

  • Calories 95
  • Carbs 25 grams
  • Fiber 2.4 grams
  • Vitamin C 14% of the Nutrient Reference Value (NRV)
  • Copper 5% of the DV
  • Potassium 6% of the NRV
  • Vitamin K 3% of the DV

Apples are wealthy in antioxidants which are substances that secure your cells against free extreme harm brought about by components like contamination, UV beams, and heart disease. 

  • Maintain Heart Health

Studies show that eating more apples could be related with a lower hazard of a few chronic conditions, including heart disease. 

One of the studies proved that eating high-fleshed vegetables and fruits including apples can lower risk of stroke. The study was conducted over 20000 adults. The reason could be the presence of flavonoids available in apples that helps to protect heart health and reduce inflammation. 

It is found that apples are also a great source of soluble fiber which can further help in reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. 

  • Fights Against Cancer

Numerous studies have found that the consumption of apples rescues the risk of cancer, especially lung cancer. According to a Nurses Health Study which was conducted on more than 77,000 women in the United States found that those women who ate at least one apple a day had a reduced risk of lung cancer.

  • Other Health Benefits

    Health benefits

"The pharmaceutical companies will not be happy with me, but I think the consumer gets more health benefits from eating whole fruits and vegetables," lead researcher Rui Hai Liu, MD, PhD, tells WebMD. "You get much more antioxidant activity, you get a variety of antioxidants, and you don't have to worry about toxicity."

  • Helps in weight loss Due to the heavy fiber that apple contains, when you eat apple, you feel stuffed and full which helps in decreasing calorie intake, and in return your weight decreases. 
  • Support Brain Function According to animal studies, apples help in reducing oxidative stress, slow signs of aging and prevent mental decline.
  • Improve Bone Health Study conducted on humans, and animals shows eating apples can help in bone mineral density and a lower risk of osteoporosis.

  • Reduces the risk of asthma Doctors and studies have also found that the consumption of apples can also be linked to the lower risk of asthma.
  • Protect against diabetes Eating one apple a day is linked to 28% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
  • Improve Digestive system The fibre available in apple is soluble fibre, Pectin which helps to  improve the digestive system. 

In order to get the most benefit from apples, enjoy both skin and flesh. The apple’s skin contains quercetin. It is a type of plant pigment flavonoid that supports your immune system, lowers inflammation, or should we say, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away"?

Conclusion

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

If we analyse different studies, and research, we will find numerous health benefits of apples. Though saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ is quite critical. But we can surely say “an apple a day keeps many types of doctor away.'' The fibres and nutrients available in apples help to stay healthy, fit and prevent us from many types of diseases or at least lower the risk. The several benefits of apples leaves no excuse for not eating an apple every day.

To keep you in shape & help you with a healthy lifestyle, while not compromising with taste, The Auric introduces a wide range of products that are 100% Natural. Click here to explore our products and give yourself a chance to experience Ayurvedic products. 

​​Authored By: Ankita Agarwal
About Author: Ankita Agarwal is a Health & Wellness Coach from Siliguri, India


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