Are you frequently forgetting where you left your keys or struggling to remember the name of an old acquaintance? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. A recently published study is making waves in the world of nutrition and cognitive health, highlighting the impact of flavanols, nutrients found in certain fruits and vegetables, on age-related memory loss[1][2].
Flavanols are plant-based substances abundant in various fruits, vegetables, tea, and cocoa. Experts have long touted the benefits of a diet rich in these foods for overall health, but now there’s growing evidence to suggest they may specifically combat age-related memory decline[3].
A groundbreaking study was recently carried out by researchers in the US and the University of Reading, UK, focusing on the relationship between dietary flavanol intake and cognitive health in older adults. The study encompassed over 3,500 US adults with an average age of 71, all part of a larger ongoing investigation into the health benefits of cocoa-derived flavanols[1].
Interestingly, the study found that individuals with a diet lacking in flavanols were more susceptible to memory decline. When these individuals were given a supplement of 500mg of flavanols daily, their memory test scores significantly improved. In contrast, those who already had high scores on diet assessment and presumably sufficient flavanol intake saw no additional benefits from the supplement[1].
The participants’ diet quality was assessed using a flavanol indicator or biomarker in their urine. Those who had lower levels of this biomarker, indicating a lower flavanol intake, saw the most significant improvements in memory function after taking the supplement[1][2].
However, before you rush off to stock up on flavanol supplements, it’s important to understand that a balanced diet containing a variety of fruits and vegetables should provide enough flavanols for most people. While it’s unclear if flavanols directly influence the risk of conditions like dementia, maintaining a balanced diet along with other healthy habits can be beneficial for long-term brain health[1].
While this research, funded by food manufacturer Mars, points towards the potential benefits of flavanols for older adults with a poor-quality diet, it does not advocate for universal supplementation. On the contrary, a diet rich in flavanol-heavy foods like tea, apples, and berries can provide adequate amounts. One mug of tea, six squares of dark chocolate, and a couple of servings of berries and apples could together offer about 500mg of flavanols[3].
To sum up, the recent study lends significant weight to the role of diet in supporting cognitive health. Flavanols, in particular, seem to play a substantial role in preventing age-related memory decline, especially in older adults who do not get enough of these nutrients from their diet. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and further investigate the potential benefits of flavanols on cognitive health in later life.
REFERENCES
1. LOWER INTAKE OF FLAVANOLS LINKED TO AGE-RELATED MEMORY LOSS, SUGGESTS NEW STUDY
2. Low-Flavanol Diet Drives Age-Related Memory Loss, Large Study Finds
3. Tea, apples and berries could stave off age-related memory loss, study suggests
