The right diet can keep the brain fit and reduce the risk of dementia. According to a new study, apples and berries in particular seem to play a key role in this.
Although there is no absolute guarantee against dementia in old age, a healthy lifestyle can help keep the brain fit. In addition to sufficient exercise and social contacts, nutrition is particularly important. Certain foods can support brain health and therefore reduce the risk of dementia. Current research suggests that berries and apples may boost mental performance.
Fruit with secondary plant substances to reduce the risk of dementia
Several studies have already suggested that consuming phytochemicals or flavonoids – which give color to various fruits and vegetables and are also found in cocoa and green and black tea – can have positive effects on mental performance. In one Columbia University study in New York, in the specialist magazine PNAS was published, the causal relationship between these plant substances and mental performance has now been investigated. Around 3,600 healthy volunteers aged around 70 took part in the study.
Half of the participants consumed 500 milligrams of flavanoids from cocoa daily for three years, while the other half received a placebo without these plant compounds. Urine samples from 1,400 test subjects were used to determine how healthy their diet was and how much tea, fruit and vegetables they consumed. Unlike previous studies in which flavonoid intake was estimated retrospectively from participants, in this study it was able to be accurately determined. In addition, the participants’ mental performance was measured through tests.
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Study: Regular consumption of berries and apples supports brain health
The results of the study showed that the decline in mental performance was lowest in the third of the subjects who ate the healthiest. The third of the participants who consumed particularly few flavonoids through their diet benefited directly from additional intake of flavanoids in pill form. This not only prevented the decline in cognitive abilities, but even improved memory performance. However, the additional intake had no effect on participants who already ate apples and berries regularly.
Prof. Dr. Bernhard Watzl, President of the German Nutrition Society, told the South German newspaperthat flavonoids are used Prevention of dementia diseases suitable. “However, no one knows whether there is a critical time window. You may already make groundbreaking decisions with what you eat as a 20- or 40-year-old,” says the nutrition expert. What many don’t know: Also Children can already develop dementia.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about medical conditions.
Machine assistance was used for this article written by the editorial team. The article was carefully checked by editor Maria Wendel before publication.