Question: Is it true that an apple a day can really keep the doctor away?
Apples, like pumpkin spice, are everywhere right now! Fall often brings loads of fresh apples, apple recipes and apple additions to restaurant menus. While it’s true that apples offer a host of health benefits and fall flavor, there’s no actual guarantee that an apple a day will keep your doctor away.
With that said, apples and healthy apple recipes and menu choices can be a great addition to your daily diet. Apples themselves are:
- High in phytochemicals, which have been shown to help protect the body from certain cancers and immune diseases. Polyphenols and quercetin—two types of phytochemicals in apples—can also help regulate blood sugar levels.
- High in vitamin C, which helps boost the body’s immune system as it fights off infectious agents.
- High in fiber, which can prevent development of diseases and help prevent the rise of LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol).
- High in boron, which may promote bone health.
It’s no surprise that apples have become a staple on restaurant menus (especially kids’ menus) all year long. Go ahead and order them in your oatmeal, as a healthy side or even as part of an after dinner treat.