Diet plays an important role in maintaining good health as well as in the prevention of diseases. We need a balanced intake of nutrients that will help in the growth, development and overall well-being of an individual.
To prevent chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular conditions, etc, it is important to have a healthy diet. A new study led by a team of researchers from Queen’s University Belfast, Edith Cowan University Perth (ECU), and the Medical University of Vienna and Universitat Wien explored the kinds of food that can lead to a longer life span.
The study found that increasing the diversity of flavonoids within an individual's diet could help prevent the development of health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer and neurological disease.
What are flavonoids?
They are a group of natural substances with variable phenolic structures, are found in fruits, vegetables, grains, bark, roots, stems, flowers, tea and wine.
According to the National Library of Medicine, flavonoids are now considered as an indispensable component in a variety of nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, medicinal and cosmetic applications.
As per the study, flavonoids are found in plant foods like tea, blueberries, strawberries, oranges, apples, grapes, and even red wine and dark chocolate. Over 120,000 participants aged from 40 to 70 years old were tracked for over a decade for the purpose of the study.
“We also know from lab data and clinical studies that different flavonoids work in different ways, some improve blood pressure, others help with cholesterol levels and decrease inflammation. This study is significant as the results indicate that consuming a higher quantity and wider diversity has the potential to lead to a greater reduction in ill health than just a single source," said Professor Aedín Cassidy, co-lead of the study.
