An apple a day keeps the doctor away is how the saying goes — and researchers say there's some truth to it.

The Daily Mail UK reports apples, along with berries, grapes and tea, protect heart health when consumed daily.

Scientists now advise people consume the equivalent of an apple, some berries and two cups of tea per day.

The website says this combination contains roughly 500mg of flavan-3-ols — a 'bioactive' compound said to be good for your heart.

A review of more than 150 studies concluded that the chemical, also found in red wine and dark chocolate, can improve blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Professor Gunter Kuhnle, an expert in nutrition at the University of Reading, said the data shows flavan-3-ols can boost health.

Read the full report here.

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