Flavonoids found in apples and berries may improve mental fitness and reduce the risk of dementia. Study offers exciting results.
Although there is no absolute guarantee against dementia in old age, one can do it. A healthy lifestyle helps keep your brain fit.In addition to regular physical activity and social interaction, nutrition is of particular importance. Certain foods can: health brain and thus reduce the risk of dementia. A study suggests that apples and berries can boost mental performance.
Reduce the risk of dementia by eating apples and berries
There are already several studies suggesting that consuming phytochemicals or flavonoids – responsible for the colour in various fruits and vegetables and also found in cocoa, green and black tea – can have positive effects on mental performance. In one in the journal People A study published by Columbia University in New York examined the causal relationship between these plant substances and mental performance. Studying About 3,600 healthy people aged about 70 years participated in the test.
Half of the study participants consumed 500 milligrams of flavanols, a subset of flavonoids, from cocoa daily for three years, while the other half received a placebo without these plant compounds. Urine samples from a subset of 1,400 people were also used for testing to determine the healthiness of their diet and the amount of tea, fruits and vegetables they consumed. Unlike previous studies in which participants’ flavonoid intake was estimated retrospectively, this study was able to pinpoint it. In addition, participants’ mental performance was measured through tests.
Study shows: Regular consumption of apples and berries supports brain health
The study results showed that the decline in mental performance was lowest in the third of people who ate the healthiest foods. The third of participants who consumed particularly low amounts of flavonoids in their diet benefited directly from taking extra flavanols in pill form. Not only does this prevent cognitive decline, it can also improve memory performance. However, the extra intake had no effect on participants who regularly ate apples and berries.
According to Professor Dr. Bernhard Watzel, President of the German Nutrition Society, flavonoids are suitable for the prevention of dementia, he told South German newspaper “However, no one knows if there is a critical window of time,” he explains. “You may actually make groundbreaking decisions about what to eat when you’re 20 or 40,” says the nutritionist. From age 40, people should also take advantage of their health, If you eat an apple every dayhow Heidelberg24.de It is mentioned. However, there is a common misconception that dementia only affects older people. In fact, it can illness Children also meet.
This article contains only general information on the health topic in question and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It does not in any way replace a visit to a doctor. Our editorial team is not authorized to answer individual questions about medical conditions.
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