According to Anthony DiPasquale, BSc (dietetics), ROHP, CPT, the answer is a resounding “yes!” The key question is not whether apples are good for you. We all know apples are good for you. The key question is, “What makes apples special?”
According to DiPasquale, all the good things in apples can be obtained from elsewhere. In fact, they can be gotten from other fruits. However …
No other fruit has all the good things apples have. There are several. DiPasquale cites three in particular.
- First, there is malic acid. This is the primary acid contained in apples. Malic acid is involved in the production of energy.
- Second, there are antioxidants. According to the National Cancer Institute, “the presence of increased levels of exogenous antioxidants has been shown to prevent the types of free radical damage that have been associated with cancer development.” The term “exogenous” means “originating outside an organism,” for example, the human body. Apples contain such antioxidants.
- Third, apples contain substances called “phytonutrients.” The prefix “phyto” simply means “plant”. Phytonutrients help prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinsonism.
So, although the dictum “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” may not be literally true, it has a scientific basis. In most cases, significant health benefits will come to those who put it into practice.
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Anthony DiPasquale holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in dietetics (the science of diet and nutrition) and is a Registered Orthomolecular Health Practitioner. “Orthomolecular” refers to “the use of naturally occurring substances, particularly nutrients, in maintaining health and treating disease” (http://www.orthomed.org/home/kunin.html). DiPasquale is also a Certified Personal Trainer. Many experts have dietetic credentials. Many have credentials in the field of holistic health. Few have both. DiPasquale has both.