The saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" probably gives you the impression that apples are the healthiest fruits. This proverb was first mentioned more than a century ago, and it is still widely used today. Other than the fact that it is easy to remember and fun to say, it may also be true to a certain extent; otherwise, it would not have enjoyed such popularity for such a long time.

Basic Nutrition of Apples

Similar to other fruits, apples do benefit your health in many ways. First of all, an apple contains zero cholesterol, fat and sodium, and it is not harmful to your health in any way. It has a low calorie count of 80, and it is the perfect choice of food for you if you are trying to lose weight. Also, it provides 22 grams of carbohydrates, which make up 7% of recommended daily value, and some of these carbohydrates are complex carbohydrates that can give you a sustained energy boost. It is a good source of dietary fiber as well. An apple also has many great nutrients that perform various tasks to keep your body healthy, and these include vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Phytonutrients

Apples contain a number of phytonutrients in high amounts, and these include vitamin A, vitamin E and beta carotene. These substances function to suppress the activities of free radicals that can cause serious damage to your body, and they can contribute to the prevention of serious illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and asthma.

Vitamin C

The vitamin C that is present in apples is an essential nutrient that offers numerous health benefits. Its most important function is protecting the immune system, and it can make your body more resistant to a wide variety of diseases, which can range from eye disease to cancer. It is also effective in preventing skin wrinkling.

Pectin

Pectin is a type of soluble fiber that works to maintain a healthy digestive system. It can also reduce "bad" cholesterol and glucose levels as well as blood pressure. Apples are known to have high pectin content.

Boron

Apples also provide a nutrient called boron. This nutrient can promote bone strength and brain health.

Quercetin

Quercetin in another beneficial nutrient that is present in apples. This flavonoid has the potential to prevent many different types of cancer, ranging from breast cancer to lung cancer. It may also be effective in combating free radicals that can cause age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.

If taken literally, the saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" probably means that you will never fall ill if you consume an apple a day. While apples bring lots of health benefits, they cannot prevent all health problems from occurring. However, they can certainly reduce your visits to the doctor in the long run. It is a good idea to include a variety of fruits in your daily diet. Besides apples, you should also try to consume citrus fruits, tropical fruits and berries, which are known to be highly nutritional.