New studies show that it's not just the amount of fruits and vegetables we consume that matters for heart health, but also the type. According to research, flavanols, natural compounds with antioxidant properties, play an important role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A study published in the journal Food and Function, which analyzed data from more than 30,000 people in the US and the UK, found that following the common recommendation of five servings of fruits and vegetables per day does not guarantee sufficient intake of flavanols.
Experts emphasize that choosing foods rich in flavanols is more important than casually consuming fruits and vegetables. These compounds are mainly found in plums, cranberries, blackberries, apples, cherries, green tea and beans.
According to researchers, consuming about 500 mg of flavanols per day can help protect the heart and reduce the risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease.
Specialists recommend including foods rich in flavanols in the daily diet, as they offer benefits that go beyond traditional vitamins and minerals.
