According to a new report from Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), eating an apple every day can reap a host of health benefits, including reducing the risk of asthma, managing allergies and helping to keep weight under control.

“There is good evidence that eating apple polyphenols (equivalent to three apples a day) may lower cholesterol”, says Associate Professor Manny Oakes, author of the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet.

“Apples may also have a possible role in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, with studies showing women who eat an apple a day having a 28 per cent reduced risk of this condition.”

The report further identified the potential of the polyphenols in apples to counter belly fat and affect hormones involved in regulating metabolism.

Additionally, apples contain no fat or cholesterol and are an excellent source of dietary fibre, consumption of which is linked to a reduced risk for a variety of diseases.

With a Glycemic Index of 38, they also provide a sustained source of energy.

Eating a medium sized apple will give you a third of your daily Vitamin C requirements as well as providing valuable B vitamins and potassium.

Try a selection of our Smart Eating recipes:

Warm Apple Crunch Crumble with Honey Pepper Yoghurt

Green smoothie

Celeriac and Apple Soup with Parmesan Chips