Now, fruit-powder for lasting health benefits

Spanish scientists have developed a 'fruit powder' from grapefruit, kiwi and strawberries which have a high water content.

The powder can be simply sprinkled on food or added to milk or water.

Researchers from the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia claim that the new powder can fulfil the requirement of daily fruit-intake and also promote fruit consumption, the Daily Mail reported.

According to the World Health Organization, eating a minimum of 400g of fruit and vegetables a day can lower the risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and obesity.

"Grapefruit is a citrus fruit with great nutritional and functional value but its consumption is very small because, among other reasons, it is very bitter. Meanwhile, strawberries are a seasonal fruit," lead researcher Nuria Martinez Navarrete said.

Furthermore, it's thought fruit consumption may be low because fresh fruit only lasts a few days - and many of us are too busy to shop every day.

The researchers found that turning them into powder conserves the compounds that are responsible for the beneficial effects of fruit, such as the antioxidant (disease-fighting) property.

According to the researchers, per 100 grammes of fresh grapefruit, between 10 and 15 grammes of powdered grapefruit are obtained.

Half of this dose could flavour a serving of salad. Or, adding 85ml of water would be equivalent to drinking the juice of half a grapefruit, they said.