An Apple A Day...
Have you ever wondered where the phrase “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” came from? Or if it is even a relevant health rule we should follow?
Well, history tells us that the phrase was initially from 1764 of the Wales Pembrokeshire proverb that stated: “Eat an apple on going to bed and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread”. However, following many years later in 1913, the phrase transformed to “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”.
This tells me, they must have known that apples have some significant benefits! Today, research shows that apples do have many benefits from reducing the risk of cancer, dementia, obesity, diabetes and more.
The USDA National Nutrient Database states that apples are rich in many essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, filled with antioxidants, potassium, fiber, vitamin c, niacin, vitamin B6, calcium, vitamin k, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium! Oh, and might we add they are also packed with phytonutrients and flavonoids like quercetin, epicatechin, phloridzin, and other polyphenolic compounds.
In addition, Granny Smith apples specifically have been found to be so high in fiber and polyphenols that they promote the growth of friendly bacteria in the colon, which has been contributed to helping reduce obesity.
Another benefit is that apples have a low glycaemic index, so they make for the perfect snack because they give you long-lasting energy and called a “nutritional powerhouse”.
So, apples are definitely worth including in your diet, but they probably won’t be the reason you don’t need to seek care for your health. What is really most important is that you are eating a diversity of fruits to get a range of nutrients.
Lastly, when choosing apples, buy organic apples that are in season and from your local farmers or farmers market.
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