Photo © 2009 AAP Image/Alan Porritt

The 2010 Apple Report , a new CSIRO report commissioned by Horticulture Australia, has found eating the humble fruit reduces a range of health problems including diabetes and high cholesterol – a key factor in heart disease.

Living proof of the old proverb also comes in the form of Edna Spurway, the great-granddaughter of Maria Smith who discovered the original “Granny Smith”. At the ripe age of 100, Edna has said the secret to her longevity is “good genes and lots of apples, of course”.

CSIRO scientist Associate Professor Manny Noakes said the report found polyphenols in apple skin lower cholesterol. The darker the skin the better, as darker skin means more of these beneficial compounds.

Dr Noakes says, ''We're often told apples are good for us, but what is emerging now is the specific reasons why they are beneficial.'' They have been found to be a good source of Vitamin C, potassium and dietary fibre.

The report, based on 10 years of scientific research into apples, and has also found health benefits to asthma and allergy sufferers as well as boosting your metabolism and helping to shake “belly” fat.

So an apple a day may truly keep the doctors at bay. As Edna says , "I've always had a healthy life... and I always say it's [because of] eating apples".