Researchers from the University of Oxford proved the aphorism right when they found that regularly eating apples after the age of 50 can prevent or delay vascular-related death, such as heart attack and stroke. [sidebar]The scientists examined how apples and statins each worked to reduce risk of vascular death by analyzing data from the 17.6 million UK adults eligible to take statins. And while statins pulled slightly ahead of produce in effectiveness, statins may also lead to muscle disease, as well as diabetes. (Apples, of course, are side-effect free.) So while statins are certainly powerful fighters of heart disease (and safe once green-lit by your doctor), consider how simple dietary changes can impact your health–and try out our A+ apple recipes. More from Prevention: 25 Best Foods For Your Heart