Update on fruit antioxidant capacity: a key tool for Mediterranean diet.

OBJECTIVE To review and update the most relevant research dealing with the antioxidant properties of fruits which can be useful in Mediterranean and other healthy diets. DESIGN Personal perspectives and late data. SETTING International. RESULTS The evaluation of total antioxidant capacity of fruits is of pivotal importance in assessing the nutritional attributes of these products. By means of specific breeding programmes, it is possible to select antioxidant-enriched fruit varieties. These features are susceptible to be improved through generations in order to release fruits with enhanced nutritional features. CONCLUSIONS The availability of high quality and nutritionally enriched fruit at competitive costs may be a useful tool in the planning of healthy diets.