You’ve probably heard the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” at least once in your life, but how much weight does this refrain actually carry? Is it the apple itself that keeps you healthy, or is just a catchy way to encourage you to eat more fresh fruit? Recently, a team of researchers from United Kingdom sought to figure out just how beneficial this crispy snack can be for overall health, and the results were certainly encouraging.
“The researchers conclude that the 150 year old public health message […] is able to match more widespread use of modern medicine, and is likely to have fewer side effects,” a press release from the British Medical Journal states.
According to the source, people over the age of 50 who eat an apple once a day may be able to reduce their risk of heart disease – which remains the leading cause of death around the world. The researchers found that eating this produce could potentially replicate the effects of statins, a family of drugs widely used to help lower cholesterol. The researchers noted, however, individuals who are currently being treated for heart disease or other severe conditions should not substitute their medications for a change in diet. Rather, people may benefit from consulting their doctors about the nutrients they need to supplement their treatments.
Further investigation is required to fully understand the nature of this correlation, but ample research has indicated how powerful natural compounds can be in combating serious ailments and promoting overall physical and brain health.