Nutrition & DietMost People Are Missing the Heart-Protecting Nutrient Hidden in These Foods
A large international study involving over 30,000 people found that fewer than one in five adults consume enough flavanols, natural plant compounds linked to significantly reduced cardiovascular disease risk. The research, led by University of Reading scientists alongside Harvard Medical School and UC Davis, shows that simply eating five daily servings of fruits and vegetables is not enough — the specific foods chosen matter far more. Flavanol-rich options like plums, blackberries, cranberries, broad beans, cherries, apples, and green tea can dramatically boost intake. The COSMOS trial previously established that 500mg of flavanols daily lowers heart disease death risk, but most people consuming standard healthy diets fall well below that threshold.
