The researchers found that apples are packed with antioxidant power and, in experiments, showed very potent anti-cancer properties. The scientists from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, discovered that 100g (3.5oz) of fresh apple had as much antioxidant activity as 1,500mg of vitamin C.

Antioxidants help protect the body's cells from the damaging effects of 'free radicals' - the unstable molecules produced by normal chemical reactions, and play a major role in many diseases including cancer.

Apple extracts were also found to inhibit the growth of bowel and liver cancer cells in a laboratory. The effect increased as greater concentrations of the extract were used.

The scientists, led by Dr Rui Hai Liu from the university's department of food science, said 100g of apple contained 5.7mg of vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid. However, almost all the antioxidant activity was due to plant chemicals rather than the vitamin.

Dr Lui said, 'Our results indicate natural antioxidants from fresh fruit could be more effective than a dietary supplement. Eating fruits and vegetables is better than taking a pill.'

The researchers used Red Delicious apples in the study. The skin was found to be particularly rich in phenolic acids and flavonoids, chemicals known to be antioxidants.