An apple a day keeps the doctor away?

In promoting the locally grown apples served on campus at Michigan’s University of Notre Dame, the institution has looked at whether there’s any truth in the old saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”.

The article by NDWorks, University of Notre Damenotes that the saying originated in England in the 1860s. Since then, numerous studies have evaluated the nutritional benefits of apples and whether they can help us stay healthy and avoid trips to the doctor.

Due to their vitamin C, potassium and fibre content, as well as being a source of countless other vitamins and minerals, apples are generally considered a very healthful fruit. Vitamin C alone contributes to a number of essential bodily functions such as collagen formation, normal function of the immune system and psychological function.

While eating apples alone will hardly remove all risk of trips to the doctor, the number of essential nutrients you can secure by eating apples can certainly help us work towards staying healthy.

The importance of choline

It was reported in this Nutrition News article that choline is important for brain health and now, a Medical News Today article on choline has gone on to list several more benefits of this important nutrient.

According to the article and its sources, choline could have a role in supporting heart health, boosting metabolism and supporting a healthy pregnancy.

While the body is capable of producing choline, in order to obtain enough to stay healthy, we must ensure we consume enough through our diet also.

Sources of choline include proteins such as beef, soybeans, fish, poultry, eggs, vegetables like broccoli, potatoes and mushrooms as well as whole grains, nuts and seeds.

How green tea supports healthy hair

Another Metabolics Nutrition News article, referenced a study that showed that green tea could have a role in supporting in brain health and a more recent article by Healthline suggests it could have a role in maintaining healthy hair as well.

There is some research to suggest that green tea could help prevent hair loss. This is due to green tea, more specifically its catechin epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and its effect on the hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, which can decrease the hair growth phase and increase hair loss. This is the reason green tea extract is included in Metabolics’s Hair, Skin and Nails supplement.

It is also suggested that green tea can help with nutrient delivery to the skin, which, in turn, supports hair growth as it supports the health of hair follicles in the skin.

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Alison Astill-Smith author Alison is Director and Founder of Metabolics who writes about Metabolics updates, events and natural healthcare. Her experience and passion for natural supplements and healthcare comes from her years of experience as a practising osteopath, having founded Metabolics in her search for high quality, natural products in her own work. Alison has been a qualified and practising Osteopath since 1981 and regularly gives seminars on a range of healthcare subjects to the wider practitioner community helping share her knowledge and experience.