There is a certain amount of truth in the saying, though the apple does not have a monopoly of the supposed virtue.

It is more accurate, if less poetic, to say that an _assortment_ of fruits and vegetables helps to keep us in good health.

Before the days of modern "cold pack" canning, mothers used to assemble their little home groups in the spring and, in spite of sundry hidings under tables on the part of reluctant Johnnies and Susies, dutifully portion out herb tea or sulphur in molasses.

Spring cleaning could never stop short of "cleansing the blood!" And after a monotonous winter of salt pork and fried potatoes no doubt heroic measures were necessary to make up for an ill-chosen diet.
Nowadays we recognize no such seasonal need.

We carry our surplus of fruits and vegetables over from summer to winter and profit not only in the greater daily pleasure of our tables but in clearer skins, brighter eyes, and less "spring fever." How do fruits and vegetables help to keep us well?
In the first place, by their wholesome effect upon the bowels.