Nutrition Experts
Question:
Can an apple a day really keep the doctor away?
Answer:
Possibly, but it's not just apples that may offer benefits-all fruits and vegetables contain nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytonutrients (beneficial plant compounds) that may help promote good health. Research shows that eating plenty of fruits and veggies as part of a nutritious, balanced diet may help stave off health problems such as stroke, type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, and possibly heart disease and high blood pressure.
Studies also show that it's not one particular nutrient in a fruit or veggie that may benefit health, but the combination of nutrients working together. This "nutrient synergy" is one important reason to get nutrients from wholesome foods instead of supplements that only offer nutrients in isolation.
To get a wide range of nutrients, eat fruits and vegetables in all colors of the rainbow. Different types of produce provide different nutrients. For example, carrots and apricots contain vitamin C (which helps maintain healthy body cells and a healthy immune system) and beta carotene (important for healthy eyesight). Tomatoes and pink grapefruit contain vitamin C and are natural sources of lycopene, a phytonutrient that some studies link to prostate health.
How about those apples? They contain a group of phytonutrients called flavonoids, which may benefit heart health and help protect body cells from damage.
The bottom line: go ahead and eat an apple a day-along with a wide array of other fruits and vegetables!
Nutritionist Experts
Our Nutrition Experts are registered dietitians who hold master's degrees and are members of the American Dietetic Association and several specialty nutrition groups. They combine over 40 years experience in food and nutrition science, communications and counseling, the culinary arts and the development of nutrition education materials. They are quoted frequently in the national media and have written about nutrition for many major magazines, newspapers, and newsletters.
