Flavanols: going beyond 5-a-day for heart health
A study of over 30,000 people finds that fewer than one in five meet the flavanol intake (400–600 mg/day) linked to reduced cardiovascular risk, even among those who eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Flavanols—found in blueberries, apples with skin, grapes, tea, cocoa and other plant foods—may improve vascular function and lower heart-disease risk, so prioritizing flavanol-rich foods and diverse plant-based options could augment protection beyond simply reaching “5 a day.”