A study from Nutrition Science Solutions showed strong health benefits of whole fruits and fruit fiber.
Whole fruits (e.g., fresh, frozen, canned, or dried) are recognized for their fiber content, very low to moderate energy density, and as being important sources of healthy nutrients (e.g., potassium and vitamin C) and phytochemicals (e.g., polyphenols and carotenoids).
Less than 10% of most Western people eat adequate whole fruits and dietary fiber. Their typical intake is about half of the recommended levels.
Many studies have shown the beneficial health effects of eating enough whole fruits, especially regarding their fiber prebiotic effects and role in improved weight control, wellness, and healthy aging.
In the current study, researchers aimed to review the increasing number of health benefits linked to the adequate intake of whole fruits, especially fruit fiber, throughout the human lifecycle.
They found these potential health benefits include protecting gut health and preventing health problems (e.g., constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases, and diverticular disease).
Whole fruits can promote long-term weight management and reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
They can help defend against colorectal and lung cancers, improve risks of successful aging, and reduce the severity of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
In addition, eating whole fruits can enhance psychological well-being and lower the risk of depression, contribute to higher bone mineral density in children and adults, and reduce the risk of dermatitis.
Whole fruits can also help reduce autism spectrum disorder severity.
The researchers suggest that low whole fruit intake can be a more serious global population health threat than previously recognized, especially in light of the emerging research on whole fruit and fruit fiber health benefits.
The research was published in Nutrients and conducted by Mark Dreher.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about how the Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health and the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about plant nutrients that could help reduce high blood pressure, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.
Copyright © 2022 Scientific Diet. All rights reserved.
