Colorectal cancer is the fourth commonest form of cancer occurring worldwide, representing 12.6% of all incident cancers in westernized nations in men and 14.1% in women. Many researchers believe that a majority of colorectal cancer cases are a result of dietary factors, such as insufficient daily fruit and vegetable consumption.  University of Kaiserslautern (Germany) researchers found that apple pectin and apple juice are high in a compound known as butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid.  Butyrate not only contributes to the maintenance of healthy colon tissue, but the team also discovered that the compound exerts an anti-cancer effect on the colon, by inhibiting the enzymes necessary for tumors to develop.

Aim to enjoy 1 small apple a day (equivalent to 1 daily serving of fruit).   While more than 7,500 varieties of apples are available worldwide, choose a variety that is grown locally.