PressSplit
A nutrient-rich diet can reduce the risk of dementia. Two types of fruit particularly stand out. (Symbolic photo) © stock.adobe.com/Yuri Arcurs
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of dementia. A study has now found out which types of fruit are particularly helpful.
Fulda – Even at a young age, you can do a lot to promote mental fitness and the development of mental fitness dementia to prevent. In addition to a good social network, this also includes a healthy lifestyle with enough exercise and a balanced, healthy diet. There are certain foods, nutrients and vitamins that are particularly good for keeping brain health stable in the long term.
Which two types of fruit protect particularly well against dementia
Several studies show that phytochemicals or flavonoids can have positive effects on mental performance. This is reported by 24vita.de. These flavonoids are also found in cocoa and green and black tea. As plant pigments, flavonoids are responsible for the red, blue, light yellow and violet colors of many vegetables and fruits, writes fuldaerzeitung.de
They are a subgroup of polyphenols. According to the German Society for Nutrition (DGE) especially in berries, red wine, apples, tea, nuts and chocolate.
One in the trade magazine PNAS A study published by Columbia University in New York has now examined the causal relationship between these plant substances and mental performance. Around 3,600 healthy test subjects aged around 70 years took part in the study.
Video: Blood test detects dementia up to 15 years before diagnosis
Half of the study participants consumed 500 milligrams of flavanols, a subgroup of flavonoids, from cocoa every day for three years. The other part received a placebo without these plant substances. In a subgroup of 1,400 test subjects, urine samples were also used to determine how healthily they ate and how much tea, fruit and vegetables they consumed.
While participants’ flavonoid intake was only estimated retrospectively in other studies, it was able to be determined precisely in this study. In addition, tests were used to measure how good the test persons’ mental performance was.
The result: The third of the participants who ate the healthiest diet had the smallest reduction in performance over time. The third of the participants who consumed particularly few flavonoids with their diet benefited directly from additional intake of flavanols in tablet form. In their case, the decline in cognitive abilities was prevented and memory performance was improved.
First signs of dementia: Eleven symptoms can indicate the disease
View photo series
“However, the additional intake had no effect on participants who regularly ate apples and berries,” it continues 24vita.de The study suggests that these two types of fruit can protect against dementia. The health insurance company also emphasizes the preventive effect of flavonoids AOK: “Studies have shown that secondary plant substances have an antioxidant effect, i.e. they protect against cell-damaging free radicals.”
This is also confirmed by Prof. Dr. Bernhard Watzl, President of the German Nutrition Society. Accordingly, flavonoids are helpful in preventing dementia. But it is unclear whether there is a critical time window for their effect. According to the expert, the decisive decisions may already be made with nutrition at the age of 20 or 40.
Researchers have now named the five biggest risk factors for the development of dementia. One of them is particularly in focus among scientists.
More articles on the topic Health can be found in our advice section.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about medical conditions.
