The proverb “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is very common in the English language today but it originated —at the latest— in the 19th century.
The modern form of the proverb first appeared in Rustic Speech and Folk-Lore (1913), by the English linguist Elizabeth Mary Wright.
But what is the science behind the proverb? Is it really true that eating an apple a day can prevent illness?
Apples are rich in several kinds of antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that prevent damage to the cells caused by free radicals.
Apples have been found to have very strong antioxidant activity, inhibit cancer cell proliferation, decrease lipid oxidation, and lower cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Apples have very strong antioxidant activity and inhibit cancer cell proliferation.
Apples also contain pectin, something that is promising for new methods of prevention and solutions for inflammation-related weight gain or obesity.
The fiber content of apples puts them low on the glycaemic index (GI), a food rating system that measures how much some meals can affect your blood sugar levels.
An apple a day may not necessarily keep the doctor away by itself, but it is certainly part of a healthy diet.