An apple a day keeps the heart doctor away

The 150-year-old proverb 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away' stands the test of time, say Oxford University researchers. Writing in the more light-hearted Christmas edition of the BMJ medical journal, the scientists estimated how effective this Victorian health advice would be today in preventing heart disease among people over 50. Using mathematical models, the researchers calculated that prescribing an apple a day to all adults aged 50 and over in the UK would prevent around 8,500 deaths from heart attacks and strokes every year. They say this is similar to the 9,400 fewer heart deaths that would be seen if everyone over 50 who was not already taking them was given statins - modern cholesterol-lowering heart drugs. This last figure uses the results of recent large study led by a different Oxford group which found that statins can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, including in people with low risk of heart problems. Lead researcher Dr Adam Briggs of the BHF Health Promotion Research Group at Oxford University says: 'The Victorians had it about right when they came up with their brilliantly clear and simple public health advice: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away". He adds: 'It just shows how effective small changes in diet can be, and that both drugs and healthier living can make a real difference in preventing heart disease and stroke.