A new study has found that an apple a day does not actually keeps the doctor away; however, the fruit may be a good marker of your social status, according to Vox. The study will be published in JAMA Internal Medicine journal in April.
Scientists from the University of Michigan, Dartmouth, and Veteran Affairs compared the health status of people who consume apple each day with those who do not consume apple. They measured how much each group went to visit the doctor.
The researchers found that people who consume apples are well-educated and non-smokers as compared to people who do not consume apples. However, scientists found no difference between non-apple eaters and apple eaters when they removed education and socioeconomic status.
The study concluded that apple does not reduce visits to doctor. The fruit is just a symbol of social determinants of health. Dr. Michael Roizen, Cleveland Clinic's Chief Wellness Officer, said that it is possible that people who consume apples have healthier habits than people who do not consume apples, but the fruit does indeed have some health benefits.
He further said that apples are low in calories and are good source of fiber, meaning they satisfy your hunger and keep you full for a long period of time. For maximum benefits, people should consume one medium-sized apple each day.
Samantha Heller, a nutritionist at New York University Langone Medical Center, said that apples have been associated with a reduced risk of asthma, cardiovascular disease and cancer. In addition, apples may protect against diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, Reuters reported.