Buying food hampers containing bananas and other high-fibre produce can deliver significant health benefits to those who receive them, new research has suggested.

A study conducted by Michigan State University (MSU) revealed that a diet containing fibre-rich foodstuffs can reduce the chances of heart disease and type-2 diabetes in teenagers.

The research, led by Joseph Carlson from MSU's Division of Sports and Cardiovascular Nutrition, found high-fibre, nutrient-dense, plant-based produce can lower the risk of metabolic syndrome, which is a collection of conditions including high blood pressure.

Published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, the study also found that incorporating these foodstuffs into one's diet can have a greater impact than cutting out those deemed to be unhealthy.

"It may be better to focus on including these foods than to focus, as is commonly done, on excluding foods high in saturated fat," Mr Carlson added.

A similar study conducted by Imperial College London and the University of Leeds has extolled the virtues of a high-fibre diet, noting that it can reduce the risk of bowel cancer.