We’ve all heard the saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Most of us know that relying only on an apple a day to fend off illness is not the best approach. 
However, the idea behind the old cliché is sound. Apples provide many health benefits. In fact, research by USDA scientists verifies the benefits of apples’ antioxidants and pectin, the natural fiber in apples. These benefits range from cosmetic—whiter teeth—to serious—protecting against Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cancer.
While we can all benefit from the health advantages of apples, people on the autism spectrum might especially want to add an apple to their daily diet. Why? Because many people who are on the autism spectrum also deal with gastrointestinal and other health issues. According to Best Health magazine, apples can help with diarrhea, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome because fiber is commonly cited as an important ingredient to avoid gastrointestinal problems. Best Health’s article “15 Health Benefits of Eating Apples” lists, well, 15 benefits of eating apples. Check it out here.
Encouraging a young person with autism to eat apples might be easier than using fiber supplements. Fiber is good for you, but too much fiber can cause problems. You are less likely to have this problem if you have a well-balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables. And children might be encouraged to eat more apples when they learn that apples are naturally sweet, about 19 grams of sugars in one medium apple. Add peanut butter as a dip, and you have a healthy, naturally sweet snack. An apple a day probably won’t cure all of a person’s health problems. But if following the old cliché can help some, then why not give it a try?