Written by Christiana Stephen

‘Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food’…Hippocrates

Hello Moms,

Growing up I have heard this saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ a million times and will keep hearing. So out of my curiosity and inquisitive nature I have decided to extensively study this and see if I will agree to this or have another opinion. So here’s what I got.

Before going on a research a thought crossed my mind to put myself in the author’s perspective-think out of the box(my brain). What prompted this statement, is it just because of the rhymes or there’s actually more to it. So I have decided that we should have a debate on this but first lets talk about the benefits of apple.

Several studies have discussed the benefits of apple and what apple really contains. Like Amy Hunter puts it ; apple contains

Pectin — Pectin is a form of soluble fiber than lowers both blood pressure and glucose levels. It can also lower the levels of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol in the body. Pectin, like other forms of fiber, helps maintain the health of the digestive system. Apples are an excellent source of pectin.

Boron — A nutrient found in abundance in apples, boron supports strong bones and a healthy brain.

Quercetin — A flavonoid, this nutrient shows promise for reducing the risk of various cancers, including cancers in the lungs and breast. It may also reduce free radical damage. http://www.pritikin.com adds that studies have found an association between apple consumption and reduced risk of cancer, especially lung cancer. In the Nurses Health Study, involving more than 77,000 women in the United States, those who consumed at least one serving per day of apples and/or pears had a reduced risk of lung cancer. In a study in Hawaii, apple and onion intake was linked with a reduced risk of lung cancer in both men and women.

Free radicals develop when atoms in the body’s cells have unpaired electrons, which can lead to damage to different parts of the cell, including DNA. Quercetin may neutralize free radical damage, which has been implicated in a variety of age-related health problems, including Alzheimer’s disease.

Vitamin C — Vitamin C boosts immunity, which helps maintain overall health.

Phytonutrients — Apples are rich in a variety of phytonutrients, including vitamins A and E and beta carotene. These compounds fight damage from free radicals and can have a profound affect on health, including reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes and asthma.(Taken from health.howstuffswork.com written by Amy Hunter). Additionally, http://www.pritikin.com, Studies have also linked apple intake with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The Women’s Health Study, which surveyed nearly 40,000 women, found that women eating an apple a day had a 13 to 22% decrease in cardiovascular disease risk.

Whitter and Healthier teeth: ‘An apple won’t replace your toothbrush, but biting and chewing an apple stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth, reducing tooth decay by lowering the levels of bacteria'( http://www.besthealthmag.ca)

liver Detoxification: We’re constantly consuming toxins, whether it is from drinks or food, and your liver is responsible for clearing these toxins out of your body. Many doctors are skeptical of fad detox diets, saying they have the potential to do more harm than good. Luckily, one of the best’and easiest’things you can eat to help detoxify your liver is fruits’like apples (www.besthealthmag.ca)

After doing a study on apple, I was overwhelmed by what research has revealed about apple, however, no matter how effective this fruit is a good balanced meal will always be needed.

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