Green Hands USA: America Volunteers

Research shows that the antioxidants in apples can extend lifespans by 10 percent -- at least in animals.

According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the apple antioxidants called polyphenols extended the lifespan of fruit flies (a common stand-in for humans in scientific tests) by 10 percent, as well as improved their ability to walk.

Adding polyphenols to the flies' diet also reduced several of their levels of biochemical markers that indicate age-related deterioration.

The research was conducted by scientists at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Obviously this is a long way away from saying that an apple a day will truly extend your own lifespan, but any excuse to eat a nice, crisp organic apple is good enough for me.