The characterisation of health promoting fruits and vegetable (PROFRUIT)

Over 50% of all chronic disease states can be attributed to poor diets. There is a wealth of scientific evidence to support the association of fruit and vegetable consumption with improved health and wellbeing [1]. Thus, improving health through diet is a strategic priority, with governments advocating the consumption of five portions of fruits and vegetables per day [2]. Their health promoting properties has been attributed to the presence of certain phytochemicals frequently termed as "bioactives". These bioactives include carotenoids, which represent one of the largest classes of naturally occurring pigments. Their ability to promote health and alleviate the onset of chronic disease states has been attributed to their potent antioxidant.