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).

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 area of ​​the brain 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 was given 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. The results showed that the memory of those taking flavanol supplements improved compared to those taking the placebo.

Researchers believe that flavanol deficiency is 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 other nutrients essential for memory," explained Professor Scott Small, co-author of the study.

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 them in moderation not only improves brain and heart health, but also prevents cancer, according to Healthline .

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