Recent Study Uncovers Reasons to Avoid Adding Bananas to Your Smoothies
Smoothies are a popular and convenient way to incorporate essential fruits and vegetables into your diet. However, recent research conducted at the University of California, Davis, has revealed that the choice of ingredients in your smoothie can impact the nutritional benefits you receive.
The study, recently published in the Royal Society of Chemistry's journal Food and Function, utilized smoothies to investigate how varying levels of polyphenol oxidase, an enzyme found in many fruits and vegetables, can affect the absorption of flavanols by the body. Flavanols are bioactive compounds known for their heart and cognitive health benefits, naturally present in ingredients like apples, pears, blueberries, blackberries, grapes, and cocoa—common elements in smoothies.
Researchers found t...