Molecular aspects of columnar growth in apple

As rich sources of flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin C, folic acid and dietary fibre, fruits and vegetables can help prevent cardiovascular diseases and cancers (Amine et al. 2002). According to the world health report that was published by the WHO (2002), 2.7 million deaths per year can be attributed to low fruit and vegetable intake. Apple is the most common fruit crop grown in temperate regions (FAOSTAT 2012) and apples are affordable and widely available in most parts of the world. Apple and apple-derived products have been subject of many studies that have linked their intake to a beneficial effect on many diseases (Hyson 2011). Several studies have indicated a positive effect of phenolic compounds, which are abundantly present in apple, on preventing coronary heart disease and cancer (Hertog et al. 1993; Keli et al. 1996; Gerhauser 2008). The dietary fibres that are present in fruits like apple seem to decrease the risk for developing coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and some gastrointestinal diseases (Anderson et al. 2009). Apples have shown to have high anti-oxidant activity and the intake of apple is associated with a reduced risk for heart disease, lung cancer, type 2 diabetes, and asthma (Boyer and Liu 2004), substantiating the beneficial effects of apple consumption on human health