Eating enough fruits and vegetables is a great habit, but new research suggests that which ones you choose could make a big difference for your heart.
Researchers analyzed the diets of more than 30-thousand people in the US and UK and found that while lots of them met the recommended five daily servings of fruits and vegetables, fewer than one in four consumed at least 500 milligrams of flavanols per day. Flavanols are naturally occurring plant compounds linked to heart health and experts say simply hitting your produce goal doesn’t guarantee you’re getting enough of them. That doesn’t mean current dietary advice is wrong, just that adding more flavanol-rich foods may provide extra cardiovascular benefits.
Some of the best flavanol-rich foods include:

• Plums
• Cranberries
• Blackberries
• Green tea
• Fava beans
• Cherries
• Apples

Dietitians say the bigger picture still matters most. Instead of chasing one nutrient, aim for a varied diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats. Foods rich in magnesium, like beans, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains, can also support heart health, and unsweetened green or black tea is an easy way to add more flavanols to your routine.
So go ahead and enjoy that apple or cup of tea. A little variety on your plate could give your heart another reason to thank you.
Source: Food&Wine