Nutritionist says 'vilified' superfood can help with inflammation and cholesterol

A leading nutrition expert has leapt to the defence of a food group that has been unfairly maligned despite its numerous health benefits. Dr Federica Amati, a renowned nutritional scientist, took to Instagram to set the record straight about the advantages of including fruit in your diet.

While some critics have pointed to the natural sugars present in fruit, Dr Amati argued that the scientific consensus is clear: the benefits of fruit far outweigh any perceived drawbacks. She highlighted the high levels of fibre, vitamin C, and polyphenols - a type of beneficial compound that supports gut health and reduces inflammation - found in many fruits.

By incorporating more fruit into your diet, Dr Amati suggested that individuals can lower their risk of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, dementia, arthritis, and diabetes. As she put it: "Is eating fruit even good for you? Well, let me tell you, the evidence is so clear that there is no room for contest. People have vilified fruit because they contain sugar, but that's absolutely not a problem. There are so many other things that are good for you in fruit. It's high in fibre. It's high in colourful chemicals that are great for your health called polyphenols."

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"It contributes to lots of micronutrients and vitamins, and it also tastes delicious. We don't eat enough fruit, and it's contributing to more death and disease. It is one of the leading causes of diet-related diseases. So whether you love a banana or an apple, your favourite. Or perhaps you love Berries and they can be frozen and be just as nutritious and good for you, we need to make sure we're eating more fruits every day at every age. The key is to enjoy them whole. Try to avoid fruit juices or fruit smoothies as your primary source of fruit, and really go for the whole fruit chopped up or enjoyed whole as it is, fruit is definitely good for you."

In her post, she further emphasised: "We don't eat enough of it and a diet low in fruit is a contributing factor to death and disease so whatever your favourite is, the key is to enjoy them whole (either chopped up or enjoyed as is). Frozen fruit is also just as nutritious. Try to include fruits every day at every age.", reports Gloucestershire Live.