The health benefits of apples ⏲️ 6 Minute English

Summary

This episode of '6 Minute English' from BBC Learning English explores the famous proverb 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away,' questioning its validity and discussing the health benefits of apples. The show delves into the nutritional value of apple skins, rich in fibre, vitamins, and flavonoids, which are linked to improved blood pressure, brain, and heart health. Dr. Michael Mosley of BBC Radio 4's 'Just One Thing' shares his personal apple consumption habits, highlighting the fruit's versatility and its role in maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being. The episode also reveals the origins of 'Golden pippin' as a genuine English apple variety, distinguishing it from the other pear varieties mentioned.

Takeaways

• 😀 Proverbs are short, well-known phrases that convey useful advice or common sense.
• 📚 The proverb 'Actions speak louder than words' emphasizes the importance of actions over words.
• 📚 'Don’t judge a book by its cover' advises against forming opinions based on appearances.
• 🍏 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away' is a famous English proverb suggesting health benefits from eating apples.
• 🔍 The proverb's truth is being discussed in terms of its health benefits, focusing on the nutritional value of apples.
• 🍏 Apples, especially with their skins on, are rich in fiber, vitamins, and flavonoids, which are beneficial for health.
• 🍏 Flavonoids in apple skins are linked to weight loss and a longer life, improving blood flow, brain function, and heart health.
• 🍏 Dr. Michael Mosley, presenter of BBC Radio 4, endorses apples as a healthy snack, highlighting their versatility and health benefits.
• 🍏 Apples can be enjoyed in various ways, such as in porridge, with yogurt, or baked, without losing their health benefits.
• 🍏 The proverb 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away' is supported by scientific research, indicating its validity in promoting health.
• 🍏 'Golden pippin' is a real type of apple, while 'Black Worcester' and 'Taylor’s gold' are types of English pear.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the '6 Minute English' program discussed in the transcript?

The main topic of the program is the English proverb 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away' and its scientific validity regarding the health benefits of eating apples.

What does the proverb 'Actions speak louder than words' mean?

The proverb 'Actions speak louder than words' means that what people do is more important than what they say, emphasizing the significance of actions over mere promises or statements.

What advice does the proverb 'Don’t judge a book by its cover' offer?

The proverb 'Don’t judge a book by its cover' advises people not to form opinions about individuals based on their appearance, highlighting the importance of looking beyond superficial aspects.

Why are proverbs important in cultures and languages?

Proverbs are important in cultures and languages because they often convey valuable life lessons and are passed down through generations, serving as a form of cultural and educational transmission.

What is the significance of the apple's skin in terms of health benefits?

The apple's skin is significant for health benefits because it is rich in fiber, vitamins, and flavonoids, which are known to reduce blood pressure and improve brain and heart health.

Who is Dr. Michael Mosley and what is his connection to the topic of apples?

Dr. Michael Mosley is the presenter of the BBC Radio 4 program 'Just One Thing'. He is connected to the topic of apples as he discusses their health benefits and how he incorporates them into his diet.

What does the term 'peckish' mean in the context of the transcript?

In the context of the transcript, 'peckish' means to be slightly hungry, indicating a mild desire for food.

What does the phrase 'trim the waistline' imply?

The phrase 'trim the waistline' implies maintaining a healthy body weight with no extra fat around the waist area, suggesting a fit and healthy physique.

How does Dr. Mosley describe the versatility of apples?

Dr. Mosley describes the versatility of apples by mentioning various ways they can be consumed, such as snacking, grating into porridge, slicing with yogurt, and baking, which shows their adaptability in different culinary uses.

What is the conclusion of the program regarding the proverb 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away'?

The conclusion of the program is that the proverb 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away' holds true according to scientific research, as apples provide various health benefits that contribute to overall well-being.

Which of the apple varieties mentioned in the transcript is a real type of English apple?

The real type of English apple mentioned in the transcript is 'Golden pippin', which was first grown in Arundel, near the south coast of England.