Regular consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in flavonoids would help maintain weight balance over the long term.
Fruits and vegetables are good at limiting weight gain. Some compounds they contain are associated with a more stable body mass index (BMI). A study, published in the British Medical Journal, establishes this link after following more than 124,000 men and women for 24 years.
“Eat five fruits and vegetables a day,” repeat public health campaigns. Rightly so, since this eating habit is beneficial for health and for the BMI. As part of this work, researchers studied the link between weight variation and 7 types of flavonoids, known for their antioxidant properties. Fruits and vegetables that contain a lot of it – like apples, pears or berries – are associated with less weight gain, they conclude. The more these compounds are consumed, the less the weight gain is marked.
Bet on red fruits
The association is particularly significant with certain types of flavonoids: anthocyanins – mainly contained in fruits and vegetables of red or blue color -, polymers of flavonoids and flavonols. The origin of these compounds varies greatly. In the case of anthocyanins, blueberries and strawberries make up the bulk of the intake.
This study is observational, so further conclusions cannot be made. But the authors stress that these results “could help refine existing dietary recommendations, in order to prevent obesity and its possible consequences”. Beyond this impact on weight, fruits and vegetables help reduce cardiovascular and cancer risk.
Seen in @bmj_latest : Consume blueberries & strawberries to limit weight gain https://t.co/3wdBU8fYG4 #health pic.twitter.com/VaYiqaEyZi
– Pourquoidocteur (@Pourquoidocteur) February 2, 2016
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