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Drinking red wine could reduce dementia risk by 28%, study finds
Dementia is one of the leading causes of death globally, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing the syndrome, which affects memory, thinking, and the ability to perform daily activities due to a decline in brain function.
From not eating meat to learning a musical instrument, all kinds of activities can help to maintain your brainpower. A new study has found that drinking an unlikely beverage could also stop you from developing dementia – red wine!
Red wine could reduce dementia risk
The study by researchers at Queen’s University Belfast compared the association of eating “flavonoid-rich foods” and a person’s risk of dementia. Flavonoids are compounds with antioxidant properties which are found in many plants, fruits and vegetables.
It analyzed data from over 120,000 participants aged 40 to 70 in the UK Biobank who consumed tea, red wine and berries, all rich in flavonoids. Those who consumed six additional servings of these drinks and foods per day had a 28% lower risk of dementia.
The greatest risk reduction was seen in participants who consumed at least two of the following per day: five servings of tea, one serving of red wine, and 0.5 servings of berries. People with high blood pressure, symptoms of depression or a genetic risk of dementia also saw bigger reductions.
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“These results provide a clear public health message as they suggest that a simple measure such as increasing daily consumption of flavonoid-rich foods may lower dementia risk, especially in populations at high risk,” First Author of the study, Dr Amy Jennings, said.
Currently, there is no effective treatment for the disease so preventive interventions to improve health and quality of life, and reduce social and economic costs, should continue to be a major public health priority.”
10 foods that are high in flavonoids
As explained by WebMD, 10 foods and drinks which contain the most flavonoids include:
- Tea
- Red wine
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Kale
- Onions
- Berries
- Grapes
- Apples
- Bananas
Flavonoids have other health benefits
As well as possible reducing dementia risk, eating a diet high in flavonoids also has many other health benefits.
They have anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, a report in the Molecules journal explains. This means they could help prevent cancer, reduce inflammation and stop viral infections.
The chemical compounds also have neuroprotective effects, meaning they help the brain and nervous system and cardio-protective effects, so they help keep the heart healthy. Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide.
Flavonoids reduce disease by fighting off free radicals. These are unstable atoms which can damage cells, causing illness and aging.�As they are antioxidants, they also help you fight off potentially harmful molecules that are introduced into the body.
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