New York, Jan 28 (IANS): Eating fruit, such as apples, pears, and berries, and vegetables that contain high levels of flavonoids, may be linked to less weight gain, finds a study.

The findings of the study, which was published in The British Medical Journal, revealed that increased consumption of flavonoid subclasses was associated with less weight gain.

Dietary flavonoids are natural compounds found in fruits and vegetables linked to weight loss, but most studies have looked at a particular flavonoid found in green tea, and have mostly been limited to small samples.

This is the first study to examine the associations between consumption of seven flavonoid subclasses and weight gain in a large sample study of 124,086 participants based across the US between 1986 and 2011.

The participants self-reported their weight, lifestyle habits, and any recently diagnosed diseases via questionnaire after every two years and also self reported their diet after every four years.

The researchers said that the findings "may help to refine previous dietary recommendations for the prevention of obesity and its potential consequences".

Losing or preventing even small amounts of weight can reduce risk of diabetes, cancer, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, the study suggested.

The scientists added that people may be able to maximize the health benefits of eating fruit and vegetables by choosing those with high levels of flavonoids, such as apples, pears, and berries.