Even consuming the smallest amount of fruit can drastically cut your chances of contracting cancer, according to research by Cancer Research UK.

Just one apple or orange a day can reduce the risk of dying early from cancer or other diseases by 20 per cent, the charity's experts say.

The results ring true regardless of one's age or sex and whether or not one smokes.

The research is part of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), which involves some 500,000 people across 10 countries.

Cambridge University's Professor Kay-Tee Khaw said: 'The findings indicate modest increases in fruit and vegetable intake of just one or two servings a day may associated with large benefits for health.'