Red Fruits Composition and Their Health Benefits—A Review
Fernanda Cosme, Teresa Pinto, Alfredo Aires, Maria Cristina Morais, Eunice Bacelar, Rosário Anjos, J. Ferreira‐Cardoso, Ivo Oliveira, Alice Vilela, Berta Gonçalves
Abstract
The probability that fruit ingestion may protect human health is an intriguing vision and has been studied around the world. Therefore, fruits are universally promoted as healthy. Over the past few decades, the number of studies proposing a relationship between fruit intake and reduced risk of major chronic diseases has continued to grow. Fruits supply dietary fiber, and fiber intake is linked to a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and obesity. Fruits also supply vitamins and minerals to the diet and are sources of phytochemicals that function as phytoestrogens, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, and other protective mechanisms. So, this review aims to summarize recent knowledge and describe the most recent research regarding the health benefits of some selected red fruits.