(NaturalHealth365) Over five million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease. While most people think of Alzheimer’s as a disease that merely results in cognitive decline, the disease is the 6th leading cause of death within the U.S. and kills more than prostate cancer and breast cancer combined each year.

As heart disease deaths begin to decrease, deaths from Alzheimer’s disease have been increasing. A recent study found a link between low intake of flavonoids and dementia when compared to individuals who had a higher intake of flavonoid-rich foods. This discovery may be significant in preventing and treating this health crisis in the future.

Low intake of flavonoids linked to a higher risk of dementia

A new study done by scientists from the Tufts University’s Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging discovered that older adults that don’t consume a lot of flavonoids in their diet had two to four times the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia over the course of 20 years. The study included 2,800 people over the age of 50 and looked at the long-term relationship between the intake of foods that contain flavonoids and the risk of dementia.

In fact, what makes this study stand out is that it followed adults for more than 20 years to come up with the data.

Flavonoids – natural substances found in veggies and fruits like onions, apples, berries, pears, and plant-based drinks like wine and tea – have been linked to many health benefits. One of the main benefits of flavonoids uncovered in multiple studies is their ability to reduce inflammation.

Just as a side note: even though some of the scientific literature suggests that (red) wine may offer health benefits, we – at NaturalHealth365 – don’t encourage the consumption of alcohol.  As a depressant, it tends to slow down bodily functions.

Back to our featured study: the team of researchers determined that a lower intake of three specific types of flavonoids was linked to an increased risk of dementia, including:

• Anthocyanins: Found in red wine, strawberries, and blueberries
• Flavonols: Found in tea, pears, and apples
• Flavonoid polymers: Found in tea, pears, and apples

Bottom line, green tea, berries, and apples seem to offer protection against cognitive decline.

Take steps (now) to protect your memory and overall brain function

Overall, the study provides a better picture of how the foods you’re eating over time are related to cognitive decline. Since no medications are currently available to “cure” Alzheimer’s disease, using a healthy diet to prevent the disease is critical.

Three specific foods that are packed with these important flavonoids include green tea, berries, and apples.  Just remember (no pun intended!), always buy organic by sourcing your food from the best quality food producers you can find.

According to the study: a “high intake” of these foods would be about 7.5 cups of berries for anthocyanins, eight pears and apples for flavonols, and 19 cups of green tea for flavonoid polymers each month.

It doesn’t take a lot to increase your intake of flavonols either.  Adding a cup of green tea to your daily routine and having berries several times each week is enough to make a difference.

Organic blueberry powder can offer another way to get more flavonoids into your diet – if you’re having a hard time getting the right amount.  Ultimately, it’s all about avoiding the toxins and eating a healthy diet – rich in antioxidants – (consistently) to protect your brain health.

Sources for this article include:

NutritionReview.org
NaturalHealth365.com
ALZ.org