2023-05-30 04:58:37
A new study finds that a diet rich in flavanols slows mental decline associated with advancing age in humans.Guardian“.
A three-year study of 3,562 people aged regarding 71 years showed that people who had regular consumption of flavanols had better memory compared to others.
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in the United States, indicates that adding 500 milligrams per day to the diet may slow and possibly improve age-related mental decline.
Flavanols are antioxidant compounds, also called flavan-3-ols, that help give fruits and vegetables their bright colours. These compounds are found in foods such as tea, fruits and cocoa.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in the United States recommended in 2022 consuming 400 to 600 milligrams of flavanols.
The association cited studies that showed the compounds may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
In the new study, the scientists divided the participants into two groups, where the first received a 500-milligram tablet of flavanols, while the second group was given a placebo.
Participants underwent several memory tests during the 3-year study period and filled out questionnaires that assessed their diet.
Columbia University neuroscience professor Scott Small said the findings are part of a growing body of research “that is beginning to reveal that different nutrients are needed to power our aging brains”.
However, other scientists argue that the study does not provide evidence that flavanols are useful for preventing cognitive decline in people with age.
“The study fails to provide evidence that increased intake of flavanols is beneficial,” said David Curtis, professor emeritus at the Institute of Genetics at College London who was not involved in the study.
“Even in the group that initially had a low consumption of flavanols, those who took flavanol supplements for years had the same memory function as those who took a placebo, and any differences were expected chance,” Curtis added in a statement.
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