Gaby
This is about tea, dark chocolate, apples, and berries, all rich in flavonols. These organic compounds, found in many fruits and vegetables, have a positive impact on cognitive functions.
According to a recent study, individuals over the age of 70 who consumed just 500 milligrams of flavonols daily had better memory compared to those who did not.
A team of researchers from Columbia University (USA) and the University of Reading (UK) conducted a large-scale three-year study involving 3,562 participants, all aged 70 and older, as reported by The Guardian. By the end of the study, scientists concluded that participants who regularly consumed sufficient amounts of flavonols exhibited better hippocampal function. This part of the brain, responsible for memory and learning, is the first to be damaged by dementia.
How the Study Was Conducted
The researchers divided the volunteers into two groups. Participants in the first group took 500 mg of flavonols daily through a dietary supplement. The second group received placebo pills. Throughout the study, participants answered test questions that helped scientists assess the impact of diet on memory. The undeniable advantage was on the side of the first group: their memory scores, particularly for short-term memory, were significantly better.
According to Professor Edina Cassidy, the dose needed to improve brain health is easily achievable. Five hundred daily milligrams of flavonols can be found in a cup of tea, six squares of dark chocolate, and a couple of servings of berries and apples.
Professor Scott Small, the lead author of the study, noted that this research further demonstrates the role of various nutrients in strengthening the aging body.
The team also pointed out that studying the relationship between diet and memory could aid in the fight against dementia.
The results of the study were published in the American journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
