Posted on October 21, 2021 by Emily Forbes

I’m sure you have heard the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. You probably didn’t know that this came from a Pembrokeshire proverb “eat an apple on going to bed, and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread”. Also, you probably didn’t know that it is National Apple Day on October 21st. Apple day was launched by charity Common Ground in 1990. They used the apple as a symbol to bring awareness to what is being lost in many aspects of our lives; not just apples but richness and diversity of landscape, ecology and culture too. It shows that anyone can take positive action towards change.

National Apple Day brings communities together and what we’ve learnt from the pandemic is that connection is so vital to health. The first apple day celebrations, in the old Apple Market in Covent Garden, brought fruit to the market after 16 years’ absence. Although, the Apple Market is now home to a range of crafts and goods, it still has the essence of supporting local traders.

With the old apple proverbs of keeping the doctor away, many surgeries, heart support groups, and the Cancer Research Campaign have taken Apple Day as a novel way of encouraging healthy eating. And you can also use Apple Day to take some action towards change for a healthier lifestyle.

What do you need to bring in right now? A bit more moving? A few less choccies? A few more veggies? Maybe you need some time with friends or family? Perhaps, it’s 5 minutes of mediation a day?

Or why not just try an apple a day? Filled with fibre, vitamins and minerals and anti-oxidants for that health boost.