"Even individuals who consumed five daily servings of fruits and vegetables frequently failed to meet this flavanol target."
Study: Most People Miss the Mark on Heart-Healthy Flavanols
A study published on June 8, 2026, in the journal Food and Function reveals that the vast majority of people are not consuming enough flavanols—compounds naturally found in fruits, vegetables, and tea—to reach the intake level linked to a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
The research, which analyzed dietary data from over 30,000 participants in the United Kingdom and the United States, measured flavanol intake using biomarker data rather than self-reported diets.
Key Findings
- Fewer than 20% of participants reached the daily intake of approximately 500 mg of flavanols. This threshold was previously identified in research, including the COSMOS trial, as associated with a lower risk of heart disease mortality.
- Even individuals who consumed five daily servings of fruits and vegetables frequently failed to meet this flavanol target.
"Specific food choices matter more than total fruit and vegetable intake."
Specific Food Sources
The study highlighted that flavanol content varies significantly between different foods. Below is the approximate flavanol content per serving of specific items:
- Plums (500g): ~450 mg
- Cranberries (250g): ~300 mg
- Blackberries (200g): ~250 mg
- Green tea (250 ml): ~200 mg
- Broad beans (80g): ~140 mg
- Cherries (400g): ~130 mg
- Apple with skin (200g): ~110 mg
- Strawberries (200g): ~90 mg
- Blueberries (150g): ~80 mg
- Pinto beans (40g dry): ~70 mg
Statements from Researchers
-
Dr. Javier Ottaviani, lead author and director of the Core Laboratory of Mars Edge, stated in a press release that flavanols can reduce the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, but only if consumed in sufficient amounts. He emphasized that the type of food matters more than the total quantity of fruits and vegetables eaten.
-
Prof. Gunter Kuhnle of the University of Reading suggested that dietary guidelines may need to become more specific to help individuals obtain beneficial compounds like flavanols.
Context and Funding
- Current dietary guidelines in the United States and the United Kingdom recommend 2-5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
- The study's funding and author affiliations include Mars Inc., the company employing lead author Dr. Javier Ottaviani.