Scientists identify list of five 'powerhouse' foods

Obvious choices of fruit and vegetables are not necessarily the healthiest, new research suggests.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Apr 2010, 11:37 BST
Updated 27th Apr 2010, 11:37 BST

Scientists have come up with a list of five "powerhouse" foods that may be better alternatives.

Experts recommend five portions a day of fruit and veg in a healthy diet – plant foods are known to contain "phytonutrient" chemicals that can protect the heart and arteries and prevent cancers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

US scientists analysed data about people's dietary habits to examine sources of phytonutrients.

They found that for 10 of the 14 phytonutrients studied, a single food type accounted for two-thirds or more of an individual's consumption.

It made no difference whether or not a person was a high or low consumer of fruit and veg.

The most common food sources for five key phytonutrients were:

carrots, oranges/orange juice, spinach, strawberries and mustard.

But better sources were: sweet potatoes, papaya, kale, raspberries and watercress.