A new study shows that people who eat a diet that includes at least half a serving per day of foods high in flavonoids like strawberries, oranges, peppers and apples may have a 20% lower risk of cognitive decline. The study looked at several types of flavonoids and found that flavones and anthocyanins may have the most protective effect.
Flavonoids are naturally occurring compounds found in plants and are considered powerful antioxidants. It is thought that having too few antioxidants may play a role in cognitive decline as you age.
Using real food as your pharmacy is truly the fastest acting and most powerful medicine you can do for yourself. After adjusting for factors like age and total caloric intake, people who consumed more flavonoids in their diets reported lower risk of cognitive decline. The group of highest flavonoid consumers had 20% less risk of self-reported cognitive decline than the people in the lowest group.
Here are some facts about individual flavonoids:
- Some spices and yellow or orange fruits and vegetables had the strongest protective qualities and were associated with a 3-4 years younger in age.
- Anthocyanins, found in blueberries, blackberries and cherries, were associated with a 24% reduced risk of cognitive decline.
Eating a colorful diet rich in flavonoids, specifically flavones and anthocyanins seems to show the best in promoting long-term brain health. It’s never too late to start!
References:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/07/210729122215.htm?mc_cid=7b5ac87b1a&mc_eid=48af677c40
