New study suggests not all ‘five-a-day’ fruit and vegetables are equal

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleNew research indicates that adhering to the 'five-a-day' dietary recommendation may not guarantee sufficient intake of health-boosting bioactive compounds like flavanols. A study involving 30,000 participants in the UK and US, which directly measured flavanol intake, revealed that fewer than one in five consumed the beneficial 500mg daily, even among those meeting their 'five-a-day' target. Flavanols, found in items such as tea, apples, and berries, are linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, with 500mg per day considered an effective amount. The study highlighted a notable difference between countries; in the UK, tea consumption was a primary contributor to flavanol intake, often independently of fruit and vegetable consumption. While 'five-a-day' remains a vital guideline, the findings suggest that consciously choosing specific fruits, vegetables, and beverages rich in bioactives could significantly enhance health benefits. In fullNew research challenges the benefits of eating five fruit and veg a dayThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Raccontata dasciencefocus.comindependent.co.uk