Nutrition: Healthy Habits

Is it true that an apple a day keeps the doctor away?

Scientists have done many studies looking for a specific chemical in apples that could prove this old adage. Quercetin, a polyphenolic compound (polyphenols are the antioxidant compounds found in red wine), is the compound most referenced for its curative properties. Quercetin was found to help in lung and prostate cancer and to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Apples also contain other antioxidant compounds and fiber. The peel has the highest proportion of these antioxidants (almost five times greater), so definitely don't skip the peel. There has also been some research that has found that apples help in fighting Alzheimer's and breast cancer.