"An apple a day keeps the doctor away" has always been the health mantra. There is actually a grain of truth based on scientific evidence why doctors have long been recommending more fruits and vegetables in the diet.

Researchers from UC Davis have discovered a way by which flavonoid-rich apples prevents the kinds of cellular activity that leads to the development of chronic diseases like heart disease and age-related cancers.

"We've known for a long time that it's the flavonoids in fruits that are protecting the body. We just haven't known exactly how.

Now, at least in the case of apples, we have a good idea about what's going on," said Eric Gershwin, professor of allergy, rheumatology and immunology at the UC Davis School of Medicine.

The research team found that apple extract was able to protect cells from damage and death by interfering with communication between cells. While previous studies have shown that flavonoids act like antioxidants, taking up free oxygen radicals that can damage the DNA while the UC Davis researchers have taken that research further by looking beyond the antioxidant effects of apple flavonoids.

"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," Gershwin explained.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Indeed.

Read more at UC Davis News.