Tag: Proverbs

The proverb "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" dates back to 19th-century Wales, though its meaning has evolved over time. While it's not a magical cure-all, the phrase endures because it advocates for a healthy diet, using the conveniently available and nutritious apple as its symbol. The phrase encourages people to make consistent, small choices that contribute to long-term well-being.

First recorded in Wales in 1866, the original version of this famous saying was, "Eat an apple on going to bed, and you'll keep the doctor from earning his bread". The proverb has since evolved into the more familiar modern phrase, carrying centuries of wisdom about the connection between diet and well-being.

A 2015 study showed that daily apple eaters were less likely to use prescription medications, but does an apple actually keep a doctor away in the literal sense? This age-old proverb, with roots in 19th-century Wales, holds a grain of truth, but the full story is far more complex than a simple rhyme.