According to a recent article published in JAMA Network Open, increasing the intake of flavonoids-rich foods such as tea, berries, and red wine may prove beneficial in reducing the chances of dementia especially among those with higher genetic risk or those with some health conditions.
The research data of UK Biobank involving 120,000 participants on average followed over long 9.2 years and. The study assessed flavonoid-rich food consumption patterns of the participants and assessed dementia risk over the decades long follow up.
Key Findings:
The risk of dementia was reduced by 28% for participants who consumed about 6 or more servings daily of flavonoid-rich foods compared with those whose intakes were the lowest.
The benefits were greatest for tea, berries, and red wine. The risk of dementia was the lowest for the participants who regularly would consume at least two of the following:
- 5 cups of tea a day
- 1 glass of red wine a day
- Half a serving of berries daily
The relation between a higher intake of flavonoids and a lower risk of dementia was notable as well in the following clinical populations:
- Those with high genetic risk for dementia (43% lower risk)
- The depressed individuals (48% lower risk)
- Patients with hypertension (30% lower risk)
Higher intake of specific flavonoid types, predominantly anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, flavonols and flavones were inversely associated with dementia incidence by 22-29%.
Dr. Amy Jennings as lead author stated, “Our results indicate that any attempt to implement dietary recommendations targeting only a marginal increase in flavonoids rich foods can be of assistance in decreasing dementia risk taking into account that such populations are at the higher risk.”
The researchers stress that this was observational research, and thus cannot establish cause and effect. Still, the findings fit into the existing literature that highlighted the brain protective effects of flavonoids.
Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds of plant origin, which possess both anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. They may prove to be beneficial to brain health through the following ways:
- Reducing innate immune reactivity in the central nervous system.
- Increasing cerebral blood perfusion.
- Influencing neurobiological pathways that are associated with memory and learning processes.
Flavonoid rich foods are important for the brain even though further study is orientated in this area. They can be very beneficial to your health coming from the following sources:
- Tea (especially green and black tea)
- Berries (blueberries, strawberries, blackberries)
- Red wine (in moderation)
- Apples
- Citrus fruits
- Dark chocolate
- Onions
However, the authors of the study caution that the benefits accrued from the consumption of red wine cannot outweigh the risks posed by consuming alcohol. In order to prevent dementia, that reduces, dementia free, current health policy in UK, recommends taking alcohol lower.
Nevertheless, this citizens’ mental abilities over the years and proves reassuring return “with increasing and more good evidence” from still large scale studies of Vegetative red wine to be consumed. However, following such approaches may seem to be progressive omen for the long term rehabilitation of brain function with incorporation of simple flavonoid sources into your meal destinations.
