An apple a day keeps the doctor away
Meaning
Eating an apple daily can contribute to good health and prevent illness, thus reducing the need for medical attention.
Origin
The saying first appeared in Pembrokeshire, Wales, in 1866, initially as 'Eat an apple on going to bed, and you'll make the doctor beg his bread.' By the early 20th century, this rhythmic piece of folk wisdom had evolved into its modern, catchy form: 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away.' This simple maxim quickly resonated, cementing the apple's ancient reputation as a superfood and championing the idea of everyday preventative health long before vitamins and nutrition science were fully understood. It transformed the fruit into a potent symbol of natural, accessible wellness.
Examples
- My grandmother always swore that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and she was rarely sick a day in her life.
- I've started packing an apple with my lunch every day, hoping that an apple a day keeps the doctor away during flu season.