New evidence that polyphenol-rich foods help the heart
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- Reviewed by Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
We already know that the antioxidant plant compounds known as polyphenols are linked with better heart health. A new study lends additional support for the connection.
In the study, published Nov. 27, 2025, by BMC Medicine, researchers evaluated the health and self-reported dietary information of more than 3,100 people (97% women, average age 52) who were then followed for an average of 11 years. The scientists measured each participant's intake of 20 key polyphenol-containing foods to produce a polyphenol-rich dietary score (PPS). They also took an extra step of analyzing urine samples from 200 of the participants for polyphenol metabolites (evidence of polyphenol intake), to get a more reliable assessment of their consumption.
Participants' PPS scores ranged from 23 to 87 on a scale of 20 to 100. Over all, those with higher scores and higher metabolite levels tended to have lower blood pressure, healthier cholesterol levels, and lower heart disease risk. On average, a 10-point increase in the PPS was tied to an 8.5% reduction in a standard heart disease risk score.
The study was observational and can't prove that polyphenol-rich foods were responsible for the heart benefits. But it provides additional evidence that it's a good idea to include plenty of polyphenol-rich plant foods like berries, tea, greens, and nuts on your plate.
Image: © Alexander Spatari/Getty Images
About the Author
Joyce Hendley, Staff Writer
About the Reviewer
Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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