Apples and berries: the secret weapon against dementia!

Apples and berries: the secret weapon against dementia!

Brain health is an important issue, especially when it comes to preventing dementia. An unhealthy lifestyle can increase the risk, but a varied and nutritious diet offers many opportunities to prevent the disease. Recent studies have found that two specific types of fruit may play a notable role: apples and berries.

The findings are based on a study published in the renowned journal PNAS. Researchers at Columbia University in New York have analyzed how various plant substances, particularly flavonoids, affect mental performance. Around 3,600 test subjects aged around 70 years took part in this comprehensive study.

Results of the study

The participants were divided into two groups. One group consumed 500 milligrams of flavanols, which are a subcategory of flavonoids and are primarily found in cocoa, daily for three years. The other group received a placebo without these valuable plant substances. In addition, the eating habits of around 1,400 participants were examined in more detail to determine how much fruit, vegetables and tea they consumed.

The results were revealing: the test subjects who ate the healthiest diet had the smallest decline in performance over the course of the study. In particular, participants who regularly integrated apples and berries into their diet were able to maintain their cognitive abilities better.

The study suggests that apples and berries in particular, which are rich in flavonoids, may have a protective effect against dementia. These plant compounds are responsible for the color of many fruits and vegetables and are known to have a positive impact on brain health.

As the German Nutrition Society (DGE) documents, polyphenols - a larger group that includes flavonoids - are also found in other healthy foods such as red wine, nuts and chocolate. This may suggest that a wide range of foods can be used to promote brain health.

Dr. Bernhard Watzl, President of the DGE, emphasizes the importance of flavonoid intake in preventing dementia, but emphasizes that it remains unclear whether there is a critical period for their effectiveness. It is possible that nutritional decisions between the ages of 20 and 40 can be crucial for future brain health. This shows how important it is to adopt a healthy diet early on.

In addition, the health insurance company AOK emphasizes the antioxidant properties of secondary plant substances in this context. Their ability to fight off cell-damaging free radicals is considered an important factor in maintaining the health of our brains.

For many concerned about their mental health, this information is encouraging. Incorporating apples and berries into your daily diet could be a simple but effective key to dementia prevention. Hopefully, as knowledge about the importance of healthy foods increases, more people will develop habits that protect and maintain their cognitive health. Further details on this topic can be found in an article on www.fuldaerzeitung.de.