But now Bronwyn Berthon is behind a Hunter Medical Research Institute study to determine whether a simple fruit and vegetable capsule could lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

“We know that a large percentage of people across the Hunter are overweight and these people are at risk of a range of problems including cancers, asthma and heart disease,” Ms Berthon said.

“So we have are conducting a clinical trial of fruit and vegetable capsules to investigate whether this supplement can reduce inflammation produced by fat cells.”

The young East Maitland woman said her role in the study makes her feel instrumental in the health of her community.

“I’ve always been interested in diet and health, my mum even calls me the diet police,” Ms Berthon, 31, said.

“But doing this sort of work makes me feel like I’m doing something important to help people in our community.”

Hundreds of people responded to the first phase of trials in March this year, encouraging the research team to reopen recruitment.

Researchers have also expanded the selection criteria to allow overweight adults aged 40 or over to participate, where the previous age limit was 50.

The randomised-control trial aims to determine if the capsule can be an ­alternative means of delivering beneficial phytochemicals naturally found in fresh fruit and vegetables.

The capsules contain extracts including carrots, broccoli and spinach along with apples, oranges, pineapples and berries.

Only 5 per cent of Australians consume their recommended dietary intake of fruit and vegetables a day.

The researchers are encouraging people who are worried about their weight and the effects it could be having on their health to enrol in the trial.

The trial involves taking capsules daily for eight weeks and having two clinic visits with blood sampling, body composition testing and dietary analysis.

People who would like to participate in the trial can phone 4042 0116 or email Bronwyn.Berthon@newcastle.edu.au or Lisa.Wood@newcastle.edu.au