Specific Fruit Choices Raise Flavanol Intake — and Most Diets Fall Short

Specific Fruit Choices Raise Flavanol Intake — and Most Diets Fall Short

Author: Dr. Mercola September 12, 2026 Duration: 6:45
  • Previous research, including the large COSMOS clinical trial, found that consuming about 500 milligrams (mg) of flavanols daily was associated with a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and fewer major cardiovascular events. However, note that COSMOS tested a cocoa extract supplement rather than food, enrolled adults aged 60 and older, and the reduction in major cardiovascular events came from a post hoc analysis
  • The featured study found following current fruit and vegetable recommendations didn't provide enough flavanols for most people to reach the intake linked with better heart health, showing that which foods you choose affects flavanol intake more than how many servings you eat. Even then, high-flavanol produce did not reliably reach the 500 mg benchmark in the researchers' simulations
  • Researchers analyzed more than 30,000 people from the U.S. and United Kingdom using objective laboratory measurements instead of relying only on food questionnaires, giving a more accurate picture of real-world flavanol intake
  • Apples, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, pears, plums, green tea, and minimally processed cocoa are among the foods that naturally provide higher amounts of flavanols, making them smart additions to a heart-healthy eating pattern
  • Instead of simply eating more produce, rotating a wider variety of flavanol-rich fruits and other plant foods into your meals is an easy way to increase these beneficial compounds while enjoying the many other nutrients whole foods provide

Each week, Dr. Joseph Mercola-Take Control of Your Health offers a direct conversation about navigating the often-confusing world of wellness. Dr. Mercola brings decades of experience as a natural health advocate to these discussions, focusing on practical strategies that go beyond conventional approaches. The episodes dig into the interconnected areas of holistic health, physical fitness, and alternative methods for building resilience. You’ll hear detailed explorations of how everyday choices impact long-term vitality, with an emphasis on personal agency and evidence-informed alternatives. This isn’t about quick fixes but about understanding the underlying principles that can help you make better decisions for yourself and your family. The tone is straightforward and investigative, aiming to equip you with knowledge that is frequently overlooked. Tuning into this podcast feels like accessing a deep resource of non-mainstream health perspectives, all centered on the fundamental goal of sustainable well-being. It’s for anyone who feels that managing their health requires looking at the full picture, from nutrition and movement to the less obvious environmental factors. Dr. Mercola’s weekly insights serve as a catalyst for taking a more active, informed role in your own health journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health
Podcast Episodes
Geranylgeraniol — An Overlooked Driver of Healthy Aging [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:17
Geranylgeraniol (GG) is a naturally produced compound that helps regulate memory, metabolism, inflammation, and cellular repair, but your body makes less of it as you age Researchers found that GG supports important cell…
Why Most Supplements Don't Fit Real Life — And What Finally Does [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:17
Most supplement routines fail because they ask people to follow a perfect daily ritual in an imperfect real life Complicated regimens with multiple bottles, doses, and reminders create friction that causes people to quit…
This Golden Drink May Be Quietly Fighting Inflammation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:03
Turmeric water contains curcumin, a plant compound linked to lower inflammation, improved circulation, healthier digestion, and reduced oxidative stress that gradually damages your cells over time Even though turmeric wa…
The Status of Cell-Cultured Meat Regulations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:01
Cell-cultivated meat has already moved beyond the experimental stage, with five products completing federal review — though clearing review, as you'll see, turns out to be very different from reaching your plate The FDA…
Molecular Hydrogen Shows Promise for High Uric Acid Levels [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:12
High uric acid has been linked to far more than gout attacks; it also increases your risk of kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease as inflammatory dama…
Your Brain Is Starving, and It's Not for Food [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:58
Your brain is about 75% water, and even mild dehydration slows focus, memory, reaction time, and mental clarity long before intense thirst appears Researchers found that 56% of older adults in a two-year cognitive study…
Why We Started with Your Gut [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:40
Story at-a-glance Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid that serves as the primary fuel for the cells lining your colon. These cells rely on it for the majority of their energy, making it one of the most important molecul…
Why We Started with Your Gut [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:40
Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid that serves as the primary fuel for the cells lining your colon. These cells rely on it for the majority of their energy, making it one of the most important molecules for gut health…
What Is the Difference Between Sunspots and Skin Cancer? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:55
Sunspots usually stay flat and stable over time, while skin cancer often changes shape, color, texture, or sensation as abnormal cells grow and spread Melanoma warning signs follow the ABCDE rule: asymmetry, irregular bo…