A recent study found that consuming the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables may not provide enough flavanols, a type of antioxidant linked to cardiovascular benefits. The research, conducted by scientists from the University of Reading, Harvard Medical School, the University of California, Davis, and Mars, Inc., analyzed the diets and biomarker data of over 30,000 adults in the U.S. and U.K.

Flavanols and Heart Health

Flavanols are a type of plant compound that has been shown to improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of death from heart disease. The study found that even among people who met the dietary guidelines for fruits and vegetables, fewer than 25% achieved an estimated flavanol intake of 500 milligrams or more per day, the level associated with cardiovascular benefits.

The researchers suggested that people looking to increase flavanol intake may need to pay closer attention to the specific fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods they consume. Including foods such as blueberries, plums, blackberries, broad beans, and green tea in their diet may be beneficial for heart health.

The top fruits and vegetables with the highest flavanol content per portion, according to the study, are plums, cranberries, blackberries, green tea, broad beans, cherries, apples with skin, strawberries, blueberries, and pinto beans.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.