'An Apple A Day' Keeps The Pharmacist Away? New Study Shows

You know that old saying "an apple a day will keep the doctor away"? Now, a new study shows that it will keep the pharmacist away, too.

Researchers examined data from 8,399 survey participants via the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2008 and 2009-2010). After examining a dietary recall questionnaire, they defined 753 (9 percent) were apple eaters and 7,646 (91 percent) were non-apple eaters.

The study revealed no significant difference between apple eaters and non-apple ones when it came to keeping the doctor away. Yet results did show that apple eaters were significantly less likely to take prescription medications. Furthermore, they were also less likely to be from an ethnic minority group and less likely to smoke, as well.

"Our findings suggest that the promotion of apple consumption may have limited benefit in reducing national health care spending. In the age of evidence-based assertions, however, there may be merit to saying 'An apple a day keeps the pharmacist away,'" researchers concluded.

Apples are packed with nutrietional goodness, and we just so happen to think they taste pretty good, too. To find out more about this fruity treat, click here. 

More information regarding the findings can be seen via JAMA Internal Medicine.

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