An apple a day keeps the doctor away facts for kids

An apple a day keeps the doctor away is a common English saying. It first appeared in the 1800s. This proverb suggests that eating apples is good for your health. It means that if you eat healthy foods, you will likely stay well. This way, you might not need to visit the doctor very often.

Origin of the Saying

This famous saying has been around for a long time. An older version was written down in 1866. It said, "Eat an apple on going to bed, and you'll keep the doctor from earning his bread." This was a common saying in a place called Pembrokeshire. The exact phrase we use today, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," became popular later. People started using it more often around the end of the 1800s.

What Science Says

Scientists have studied if eating apples really helps keep you healthy.

Apples and Heart Health

A study in 2013 used computer modelling to compare apples with a common medicine. This medicine, called a statin, helps lower cholesterol. Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood. Too much can cause heart problems. The study looked at people over 50 years old. It suggested that eating an apple every day was similar to taking a statin. Both seemed to help reduce bad cholesterol. The study concluded that apples might be as good as some modern medicines. They also might have fewer side effects. Plus, they could cost about the same each year.

Apples and Doctor Visits

Another study in 2015 looked at people who ate apples. It found that apple eaters were more likely to visit the doctor less often. They also used fewer prescription medications. However, when the researchers looked at other things, like how healthy people were already, the link wasn't as strong. Still, it showed a possible connection between eating apples and needing fewer medicines.

What's Inside an Apple?

A medium-sized apple (about 100 grams) is mostly water, about 86%. It has 14% carbohydrates. It has very little fat and protein. One apple gives you about 52 calories of food energy. Apples also have a good amount of dietary fiber. Fiber helps your digestion. However, apples do not have many other important micronutrients (like vitamins and minerals).

See also

In Spanish: Una manzana al día mantiene al doctor en la lejanía para niños