Don't forget about flavonoids

It has been known for quite some time that flavonoids reduce the risk of heart disease. But, what scientists are now finding is that flavonoids may also slow cognitive decline in older adults.

Researchers had a very large pool of participants -- more than 1,600 men and women -- on which to base their study. From the start, this is a good thing, as it is all too often that studies are based on, like, seven people. So, as I said, 1,600 people aged 65 years or older who were initially dementia-free were involved in this study, and researchers assessed their dietary consumption of flavonoids.

For ten years, the subjects' cognitive performance levels were measured. It become apparent to researchers that subjects with the lowest flavonoid intake demonstrated two times the rate of cognitive impairment as the subjects with the highest amount of flavonoid consumption.

Flavonoids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants, can be sourced from a variety of fruits and vegetables. In addition, red wine is a great source of flavonoids, as is dark chocolate that is made of at least 70-percent cacoa.