Eating An 'Apple A Day' Doesn't Keep The Doctor Away, But It Does Reduce Your Pharmacy Visits, Study Finds

Eating an apple a day doesn't keep the doctor away, but it does reduce the amount of trips you make to the pharmacy per year.

That's according to a new study that investigates whether there's any truth in the old saying.

A team of researchers led by Dr Matthew Davis, of the University of Michigan School of Nursing, asked 8,399 participants to answer survey questions around diet and health.

A total of 753 were apple eaters, consuming at least 149g of raw apple per day. The remaining 7,646 were classed as non-apple eaters.

When both groups answered questions on trips to the doctor and trips to the pharmacy per year, the apple eaters were found to be 27% less likely to visit the pharmacist for drugs.

Trips to the doctor were not significantly affected by apple consumption, though.

"Evidence does not support that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. However, the small fraction of US adults who eat an apple a day do appear to use fewer prescription medications," the study concludes.

Apple eaters were also found to be less likely to smoke and be more likely to have a higher educational attainment than non-apple eaters.

While apples do not rival oranges, they do contain some immune system-boosting vitamin C, which may be why apple-eaters visit the pharmacist less.

With over 8mg of vitamin C per medium-sized fruit, an apple can provide roughly 14% your daily recommended intake.

Previous studies have also linked apple consumption to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, improved lung function and a lower risk of colon cancer.

Scroll through the slideshow below to find out how else apples could improve your health.

Health Benefits Of Apples

Apples Lower Cholesterol(01 of08)

One medium-sized apple contains about four grams of fiber. Some of that is in the form of pectin, a type of soluble fiber that has been linked to lower levels of LDL or "bad" cholesterol. That's because it blocks absorption of cholesterol, according to WebMD, helping the body to use it rather than store it. (credit:Flickr: Steenbergs)

Apples Keep You Full(02 of08)

Apple's wealth of fiber can also keep you feeling full for longer without costing you a lot of calories -- there are about 95 in a medium-sized piece of fruit. That's because it takes our bodies longer to digest complex fiber than more simple materials like sugar or refined grains. Anything with at least three grams of fiber is a good source of the nutrient; most people should aim to get about 25 to 40 grams a day. (credit:Flickr: byJoeLodge)

Apples Keep You Slim(03 of08)

One component of an apple's peel (which also has most of the fiber) is something called ursolic acid, which was linked to a lower risk of obesity in a recent study in mice. That's because it boosts calorie burn and increases muscle and brown fat, HuffPost UK reported. (credit:migoodfood/Flickr)

Apples Prevent Breathing Problems(04 of08)

Five or more apples a week (less than an apple a day!) has been linked with better lung function, Health magazine reported, most likely because of an antioxidant called quercetin found in the skin of apples (as well as in onions and tomatoes), the BBC reported.

And the breath benefits of apples extend even further: A 2007 study found that women who eat plenty of the fruit are less likely to have children with asthma. (credit:S.Su/Flickr)

Apples Fight Colds(05 of08)

While they don't quite rival oranges, apples are considered a good source of immune system-boosting vitamin C, with over 8 milligrams per medium-sized fruit, which amounts to roughly 14 percent of your daily recommended intake. (credit:Flickr: Public Domain Photos)

Apples May Fight Cancer(06 of08)

In 2004, French research found that a chemical in apples helped prevent colon cancer, WebMD reported. And in 2007, a study from Cornell found additional compounds, called triterpenoids, which seem to fight against liver, colon and breast cancers. (credit:Flickr: nerissa's ring)

Apples Decrease Diabetes Risk(07 of08)

A 2012 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that apples, as well as pears and blueberries, were linked with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes because of a class of antioxidants, anthocyanins, that are also responsible for red, purple and blue colors in fruits and veggies. (credit:oth313/Flickr)

Apples Boost Brain Power(08 of08)

The fruit has been linked to an uptick in acetylcholine production, Good Housekeeping reported, which communicates between nerve cells, so apples may help your memory and lower your chances of developing Alzheimer's.

A diet rich in antioxidants may have similar effects, so apples, since they are particularly rich in quercetin, are a good bet, according to 2004 research. (credit:Flickr: Shaina Olmanson / Food for My Family)

H/T: The Telegraph

SEE ALSO:
Why You Should Follow Popeye's Lead And Eat Spinach Every Day
Eating Fruit Can Reduce The Risk Of Which Disease?
Could Low Sperm Count Be Caused By Non-Organic Fruit And Veg?

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