'5 a day': Which fruit and veg are best for heart health and why?

• Flavanols are a type of plant compound that can offer several health benefits.
• Past studies show that flavanols may help protect the body against heart disease and certain cancers, and improve cognitive function.
• A new study found that fewer than one in five people consume enough flavanols each day to help reduce their cardiovascular disease risk, even if they’re regularly eating their ‘5 a day’ of fruits and vegetables.

Flavanols are a type of plant compound that can offer several health benefits due to their antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.

Flavanols are found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as cocoa, legumes, red wine, and both green and black teas.

Past studies show that flavanols may help protect the body against heart disease by keeping the body’s blood vessels healthy. Additionally, research shows flavanols may help improve cognitive function and even protect against certain cancers.

Now, a new study published in the journal Food & Function has found that fewer than one in five people consume enough flavanol each day to help reduce their cardiovascular disease risk, even if they’re regularly eating the globally-recognized “5 a day” of fruits and vegetables.