Flavanol Intake and Heart Health Study

A new study, led by researchers from the University of Reading, Harvard Medical School, University of California, Davis, and partly funded by Corning Inc., suggests that simply eating five portions of fruits and vegetables a day may not be enough for optimal heart health. The research, published in the journal Food & Function, analyzed the diets and biomarker data of over 30,000 adults in the United States and the United Kingdom. It found that fewer than 25% of participants achieved the recommended daily intake of 500 milligrams of flavanols, plant compounds linked to significant cardiovascular benefits, even among those meeting the 'five-a-day' guideline. Lead author Javier Ottaviani and Professor Gunter Kuhnle emphasize that the specific choice of fruits and vegetables matters more than the total quantity. Foods high in flavanols include plums, cranberries, blackberries, green tea, broad beans, and cherries. While entities like the British Heart Foundation and British Nutrition Foundation maintain that a balanced diet with variety is key, the study suggests a potential shift towards more specific dietary guidance to maximize health benefits.