What to eat to prevent memory loss in old age?

Research by American scientists at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University and Columbia University (USA) found that supplementing with natural flavanols can help improve memory loss in people over 60 years old, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Ăn gì để ngăn mất trí nhớ khi về già - Ảnh 1. — Blueberries are a fruit rich in flavanols and other antioxidants.

Flavanols are natural antioxidants found in many plants. Research has shown that flavanols have anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, blood clot-preventing, blood pressure-lowering, and other health benefits.

Previous studies in mice have found that epicatechin, a flavanol, enhances the growth of nerve cells and blood vessels in the hippocampus, the brain region primarily responsible for memory.

In a recent study, American scientists divided more than 3,500 volunteers over 60 years old into two groups. One group was given a 500 mg/day flavanol supplement in pill form, including 80 mg of epicatechin, for three years. Meanwhile, the second group only used a placebo.

All volunteers were asked to complete a survey to assess short-term memory in the hippocampus after 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years. Results showed that the memory of those who took flavanol supplements improved compared to those who took the placebo.

Researchers believe that a deficiency in flavanols may be one of the causes of memory loss in old age. "Our study, based on biomarkers of flavanol consumption, can be used by other researchers to model and identify additional nutrients essential for memory," explained study co-author Professor Scott Small.

Common natural foods rich in flavanols include chia seeds, apples, dark chocolate, green tea, black tea, blueberries, celery, broccoli, lettuce, and several other vegetables. Flavanol-rich vegetables are also high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Eating a balanced diet not only improves brain and heart health, but also helps prevent cancer, according to Healthline .

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