ASK DR. H: Eating apples may boost alertness

Q: I’ve heard from several people that eating an apple can help keep you awake as well as a cup of coffee. Is that really true? — S.R., Huntsville, Ala.

A: There’s no doubt that the caffeine in coffee, tea or an energy drink has a stimulating effect on the brain to increase alertness — that is, until the “crash” occurs. Although apples don’t contain caffeine, they do contain the natural sugar fructose. If it’s based on fructose alone, an orange should provide an even better pick-me-up.

Other than the anecdotal reports of apples increasing alertness, I’ve not seen any head-to-head studies comparing apples and coffee. Besides the effect that an apple’s natural sugar can have on raising one’s blood sugar, there are several theoretical ways that an apple may keep one awake and alert as well as a cup of coffee: The act of crunching into an apple and chewing it helps to stimulate alertness; eating around the core of an apple requires a certain amount of concentration, which also heightens alertness. Based on those assumptions, the peeling of an orange and its fragrant aroma also should help to heighten one’s alertness.

Dr. Mitchell Hecht is a physician specializing in internal medicine. Send questions to him at: “Ask Dr. H,” P.O. Box 767787, Roswell, GA30076. Because of the large volume of mail received, personal replies are not possible.