A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition confirms that a high intake of flavonoid-rich foods significantly lowers the risk of frailty and mental disorders in older adults, especially women.
Flavonoids, bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, are abundant in tea, apples, citrus fruits, berries, dark chocolate, and red wine. Data from the NHS Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) revealed that long-term flavonoid consumption improved physical and mental well-being over 14 to 28 years.
Women who regularly consumed strawberries, citrus fruits, blueberries, and apples had a lower risk of frailty, while men primarily benefited from improved mental health. Notably, moderate consumption of tea and red wine in men was linked to a reduced risk of depression and cognitive decline.
Increasing flavonoid intake by three servings per week lowered frailty risk by 11%, mental disorders by 8%, and physical disorders by 7% in women. In men, higher flavonoid intake reduced the risk of mental disorders by 15%. Conversely, reducing flavonoid intake by seven servings per week increased frailty risk by 18% in women and mental health decline by 60% in men.
The findings emphasize the importance of consistent flavonoid consumption as an accessible and effective strategy for preventing age-related physical and cognitive decline.
