Why does an apple a day keep the doctor away?
Danish microbiologists fed rats a diet high in whole apples and apple products such as apple juice and puree to check if eating apples affected the level of “friendly” bacteria in the rats’ digestive system. It seemed that when apples were eaten regularly over a period of time, these bacteria helped produce short-chain fatty acids that provided ideal pH conditions for ensuring a beneficial balance of microorganisms. They also produced a chemical called butyrate, an important fuel for cells of the intestinal wall. Apples are rich in pectin, a component of dietary fibre in apples, and boost the level of certain bacteria that may improve intestinal health and reduce risk of some diseases.