Does an Apple a Day Keep the Doctor Away?

Does an apple a day really keep the doctor away? I can't say yes, (I'm not a medical professional, seek advice from your medical professional before changing any portion of your diet) but I can tell you that apples have lots of healthy things going for them and most of us could stand to eat more of them. The health benefits of apples and apple products were first recorded as early as medieval times, giving rise to the old English saying "Ate an apfel avore gwain to bed Makes the doctor beg his bread". Today's variation, of course, is the famous "An apple a day keeps the doctor away."

Apples, (red, green or yellow) taste good and provide essential vitamins, minerals and fiber in our diets. They may be eaten raw, cooked, peeled or unpeeled, and as applesauce or juice. With all the different varieties and ways to consume them it shouldn't be too difficult to incorporate more apples into our diet. Some reported different health benefits from consuming apples and apple products are listed below.

Cholesterol: Apples and apple juice contain phenols which prevent oxidation of the 'bad' (LDL) cholesterol. This 'bad' unwanted cholesterol can lead to a buildup of plaque in arteries. This arterial buildup has proven to be very dangerous and can lead to heart disease and heart attacks.

Healthier Lungs: A study from the National Institutes of Health reports that eating foods rich in fiber and flavonoids, which are found most abundantly in apples, may reduce chronic productive cough and other respiratory symptoms. A research study at the University of Nottingham has shown that people who eat 5 apples or more per week have lower incidents of respiratory problems, including asthma.

Protecting the brain from disease: Apples contain substances called phytonutrients, and these phytonutrients prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Cognitive function, memory and learning apparently also benefit from the regular consumption of apples. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell report that the nutrients in apples and apple juice may improve memory and learning. In addition, eating apples may also protect against oxidative damage that contributes to age-related brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

Prevent tooth decay: Tooth decay is an infection, primarily caused by bacteria. This bacterium often is responsible for serious damage to the structure of your teeth. The juice of the apple has properties that can effectively kill up to 80% of the bacteria in your mouth. Yet another great reason to eat apples!

Cancer: Researchers are discovering that the nutritional properties of apples can inhibit the growth of many kinds of cancer cells. In studies the consumption of apples is apparently associated with a reduced risk of developing cancer. Once again the apple is providing another reason for enjoyment and health benefits.

Perhaps everyone should reconsider how many apples they eat each week. Regardless of whether your preference is for apple juice, applesauce, or a good old plain apple, eat up! It seems that an apple a day may really keep the doctor away, or make the doctor have to beg for his bread, as the Medieval sages used to say.