Flavanols in berries: Why they work best solo - tips from a financial expert

Flavanols in berries: Why they work best solo - tips from a financial expert

According to a report from www.presseportal.de, a Californian study in the journal Food & Function shows that flavanols contained in berries or grapes only work in the body if they do not come into contact with the enzyme polyphenol oxidase (PPO). This enzyme is found in 18 fruits, vegetables, and plant foods, including bananas and apples. This means that flavanols are hardly retained when berries are mixed with foods containing PPOs, such as bananas or apples, or eaten in quick succession. The North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Center therefore recommends consuming berries alone to preserve the valuable flavanols.

The results of this study could potentially have implications for the market for healthy foods, particularly those containing berries. Manufacturers of smoothies, mueslis and other mixed products with berries could rethink their offerings and possibly develop new products that take into account the recommendations of the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Center. Consumers could also change their shopping behavior and specifically look for products that support recommended berry consumption patterns.

It remains to be seen whether and how the food industry will react to these new findings and whether changes in product development and consumer behavior can be observed.