New research suggests there may be truth behind the old adage, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away". Scientists from the University of California, Davis School of Medicine, say they've discovered that apples rich with compounds called flavonoids help ward off debilitating cell diseases, such as heart disease and age-related cancers.
The research was funded by the US Apple Association and the Apple Products Research and Education Council.
Studies in the past have found that flavonoids act as antioxidants - enzymes that target free radicals that can damage DNA. Flavonoids are commonly found in chocolate, green tea and other fruits and vegetables.
Eric Gershwin, a UC-Davis professor of allergy, rheumatology and immunology, in a report said, "Our study showed that the flavonoids in apples and apple juice can inhibit signals in this pathway that would otherwise damage or kill cells in the body."