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New Research Reveals Simple Ways to Promote Healthy Aging
Aging is a natural part of life, but can it be done gracefully? New research suggests that incorporating certain foods and drinks into your diet can support your body and mind as you age. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that black tea and berries could contribute to healthier aging.
Key Findings:
- Flavonoids: Foods rich in flavonoids, such as black tea, berries, citrus fruits, and apples, can help lower the risk of key components of unhealthy aging, including frailty, impaired physical function, and poor mental health.
- Women’s Health: Women who consumed the highest flavonoid intakes had a 15% lower risk of frailty, a 12% lower risk of impaired physical function, and a 12% lower risk of poor mental health compared to those with the lowest intakes.
- Men’s Health: Although fewer associations were found in men, a higher intake of flavonoids was still associated with a reduced risk of poor mental health.
Key Players:
- Prof. Nicola Bondonno: "The goal of medical research is not just to help people live longer but to ensure they stay healthy for as long as possible. We know from previous research that people who have a higher flavonoid intake tend to live longer, and they are also less likely to get any of the major chronic diseases such as dementia, diabetes, or heart disease. Our research shows that people who consume more flavonoids tend to age better."
Expert Insights:
- Prof. Aedin Cassidy: "Flavonoids are well known for reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, supporting blood vessel health, and even helping to maintain skeletal muscle mass, all of which are important for preventing frailty and maintaining physical function and mental health."
Practical Advice:
- Regular Consumption: Eating flavonoid-rich foods such as berries, apples, red wine, oranges, and tea regularly could support healthier aging by reducing the risk of frailty, physical decline, and poor mental health.
- Daily Intake: Participants who increased their intake of flavonoid-rich food by three servings a day had a 6% to 11% lower risk across all three of the ageing outcomes in females, and a 15% lower risk of poor mental health in males.
Conclusion:
This research highlights the potential for simple dietary modifications to impact overall quality of life and contribute to the optimization of healthy aging. By incorporating these foods and drinks into your diet, you can support your body and mind as you age gracefully.
