Not just an apple a day . . .

 

Not just an apple a day . . .

There is some truth in the adage, ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away.’

Apples contain vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and vitamin A, which is necessary for healthy eyes and skin. There is some evidence that eating apples can promote heart health and protect against cancer and type 2 diabetes. They are also good for the brain, containing potent antioxidants that ‘protect brain cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.’ The fibre in the fruit aids digestion, slowing down the absorption of sugar, thus helping with weight control.

My favourite apples are Pink Lady, Jazz, Braeburn, Egremont Russet and the apples from the garden, whose names I cannot remember, but which are crisp and juicy.

 . . . but almonds too! (so long as you’re not allergic to them.)

Almonds can help lower ‘bad’ cholesterol (I always feel that someone should be saying, ‘Bad boy, down’ when I hear ‘bad cholesterol’.)

They seem to have almost the same PR team as apples, as they are high in fibre and contain vitamin C, as well as E, which can ‘protect brain cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.’ In addition, they contain potassium, magnesium and calcium, which apples also have, but in smaller proportions.

Apparently, Americans are guided to consume one ounce of almonds a day, which equates to a handful – man, woman, child?? – or twenty-three nuts.

The sickly Brits, though, are encouraged to eat two ounces a day, which would be more of a handful, no matter the size of the hand, or thirty nuts. Maths is not my strong subject, but if one ounce equals twenty-three nuts, surely two ounces would equate to forty-six.

I apologise to readers from other countries – I can find no Antipodean or European guidelines, or indeed, guidance from any other continent, but they surely must be similar.

Anyway, we have each munched our allotted portion of almonds today, so are feeling virtuous. I gather we also must eat walnuts. They must be good for the brain – just look at a naked walnut, or even a pecan. It could not be plainer.