Does an apple a day really keep the doctor away? According to a Canadian government study it does.

Researchers measured the levels of antioxidants in eight varieties of apples and found that the Red Delicious variety -- the most common kind grown in the United States and the easiest to find -- is packed with the highest concentrations of the health-enhancing chemicals. In fact, the skin of the Red Delicious apple has more than six times the amount of antioxidants than the flesh.

Comparing Varieties

Though antioxidants are believed to help fight certain diseases, more research is needed to establish whether quantity alone counts. (The study didn't take into consideration whether antioxidants in some apples may be better absorbed than others.)

Regardless, in every variety tested, the skins of the apples contained substantially higher levels of antioxidants than the flesh; the Northern Spy variety ranked top in antioxidant content in the flesh, while the Red Delicious came in third. The variations in antioxidant levels among apples -- second to bananas in overall popularity -- can be attributed to differences in:

• Geography
• Growing seasons
• Genetic predispositions

And while apples have significantly lower concentrations of antioxidants than other fruits, particularly many berries, researchers believe their year-round availability and greater popularity might make them an ideal source of antioxidants for many people.

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry May 14, 2005

MSNBC June 5, 2005

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Oxidation is one of the major mechanisms of aging and it is facilitated by free radicals. Antioxidants in your food are one of the best ways to counter the age-accelerating damage that free radicals produce. They help protect your body from nearly every chronic degenerative disease including cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Their popularity in this regard is reflected in the multiple rows of antioxidant products you can find available in your local health food store. Don't be fooled though. As the above article suggests, it is best to obtain your antioxidants from food. Some of the highest-ranking antioxidant food sources are: High-fiber, low-sugar fruits: cranberries, blueberries and blackberries Vegetables: beans and artichokes Nuts: pecans, walnuts and hazelnuts Spices: ground cloves, ground cinnamon and oregano In regard to apples, although they can obviously be a good source of nutrients, as is the case with most fruit, they are best eaten with caution. Excessive consumption of sugary fruits can cause an increase in your insulin levels, which is one of the major causes of chronic disease. You can gain similar nutritional benefits by consuming most of your carbohydrates as vegetables instead of fruit. They are typically much lower in sugar but are still excellent sources of antioxidants and other nutrients. Related Articles: Newest Natural Cancer-Fighting Food: Apples Apple a Day Packs Antioxidant Punch Apples and Selenium May Lower Asthma Risk