Among the new clinical evidence of the many health benefits of apples, a recent study shows that an apple a day prevents age-related frailty.

According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, research indicates that eating foods containing certain nutrient combinations, especially blackberries and apples, may reduce your chances of becoming frail and sensitive as you age.

The compounds in question are called “flavonols” and are linked to various health benefits and are found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

Researchers examined the diet and affective status of 1,701 people over a 12-year period to investigate a possible link between flavonols and frailty — which affects 10 percent of adults over age 65.

During the study period, 13.2% of participants developed weakness. The analysis revealed that people who ate an extra 10 milligrams of flavonols each day — about the same as a medium-sized apple — had a 20% lower odds of developing frailty.

A flavonol in particular, called quercetin, has a strong link to preventing frailty, the team said. It is mainly found in apples, dark berries, citrus fruits, onions, parsley and sage.
The researchers said: “There may be some truth to the old adage ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away.'”

According to Age UK, “vulnerability” refers to a person’s mental and physical resilience or ability to recover from events such as illness and injury. It is usually characterized by problems such as decreased muscle tone and fatigue.