We have often heard that 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away' but science has proved it right.

It has been now stated by researchers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong that there is an increase of about 10 per cent in the average lifespan due to the antioxidants present in fruits and vegetables.

There have been tests on animals that state, apples contain antioxidants that are beneficial for health.

Zhen-Yu Chen and colleagues said, "Damaging substances generated in the body, termed free radicals, cause undesirable changes believed to be involved in the aging process and some diseases. Substances known as antioxidants can combat this damage."

Antioxidants present in fruits and vegetables that are bright colored are able to combat this damage and commonly known fruits and vegetable to contain loads of antioxidants are apples, broccoli, tomatoes, blueberries etc.

Average lifespan can be easily extended with apple antioxidants as shown in a previous study with other test animals.

Researchers tried to establish the link with polyphenols that were present in apples this time and it was seen that animals were able to climb, walk and move about better with polyphenols in apples and their lifespan also increased.