An apple a day keeps the doctor away, or so the old proverb goes, but can a single apple help with our health? New research out this week shows that in addition to the vitamins and minerals apples provide, the bacteria that they host may also be a big part of why they are so good for us.
Apples are among the most consumed fruits around the world, with 7500 different varieties and a global apple market growing to more than 83 million tonnes last year.
Filled with vitamins including vitamins B and C as well as minerals such as calcium, potassium and phosphorus, apples are known to be good for our health when incorporated into a balanced diet. In addition to great nutritional benefits, apples also contain pectin - a great source of fibre to keep our bowels moving as well as procyanidins which are powerful antioxidants.
![Different apple varieties have different levels of bacteria. Photo / 123RF](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/UN3T5VOBJRNZ7JW7TJBWWVCLSM.jpg?auth=ca0c11e8af2309ea724c33714c57e993e387ee234c14fb5e195d5ed76e362066&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
When it comes to buying apples, most of us select them by making some simple choices: red or green, organic or non-organic.