A research, published in the journal Neurology, found that people who consumed about 600 milligrams (mg) of flavonoids per day had a 20 percent lower risk of cognitive decline. The importance of maintaining a healthy diet cannot be over emphasis. The interesting fact is that adding flavonoid-rich foods into your healthy lifestyle may be good for brain health and overall health.
Flavonoids are naturally occurring plant compounds that are powerful antioxidants. They are found in brightly colored fruits and veggies, such as strawberries, blueberries, oranges, and red peppers.
The research shows that flavones, which are a type of flavonoid found in spices, as well as yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, had the strongest protective effect: They were linked with a 38 percent reduction in the risk of cognitive decline.
Anthocyanins, which are another type of flavonoid — and found in darker fruits, like blackberries — were associated with a 24 percent reduced risk.
The study wasn’t perfect. One of its limitations is that the participants’ eating habits were self-reported, which leaves room for error. However, it does not rule out the importance of health diet to reduce the risk of cognitive decline. It’s vital t exercise regularly, avoid smoking and seek medical help if you feel unwell. Fruits rich in flavonoids are berries, oranges, grapefruits, citrus juice, peppers, and celery.