An antioxidant found in apples, other fruits and vegetables, and nutritional supplements may do more than simply prevent damage caused by free radicals. A recent laboratory test has determined that polyphenols may be able to lengthen lifespan.

In a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers from Hong Kong and China reported that fruit flies live longer when dosed with polyphenols taken from apples.

They attributed this effect to the antioxidant’s protective properties. Highly charged particles called free radicals naturally cause damage to living cells. While any one reaction with a free radical is essentially unnoticeable, over time these interactions can damage DNA, causing tissue degradation and even cancer.

Researchers found that polyphenols extended the lives of laboratory flies by an average of 10 percent. They noted that the longer-lived flies also stayed more mobile over time.

Taking a daily nutritional supplement that contains antioxidants, vitamins and essential minerals may be able to improve heart health, boost energy, lower blood sugar naturally and contribute to the body’s health resources.