A study conducted by scientists from the University of Reading in Britain revealed that some fruits and vegetables are extremely important for maintaining heart health.
Researchers studied the diets of more than 30,000 people from Britain and the United States using biomarkers, and found that most people do not get enough flavanols (substances that reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease) even if they eat the five recommended portions of fruits and vegetables a day.
Research has shown that foods with the highest flavanol content per serving include: peaches, cranberries, raspberries, green tea, beans, cherries, and apples with their peel.
Researchers point out that choosing specific types of food is more important than the total amount of fruits and vegetables we eat daily. Adding a handful of berries, a cup of green tea, or a small amount of beans can greatly enhance the intake of these beneficial compounds.
The study's authors believe that the current recommendations of "five portions a day" need updating, stressing that careful food selection could make the guidelines more effective and actually contribute to reducing the risk of heart disease.
A study conducted by scientists from Britain and Turkey showed that taking blackcurrant fruit extract can improve blood vessel function for a short period in some healthy men.
