We are living longer, so more people have mental illnesses like dementia. Food can cut the chances of getting dementia. Food with flavonoids could reduce the chances by a third. Flavonoids give fruit and vegetables their bright colours. They give the brain oxygen. Food like blueberries, oranges, peppers and strawberries contain flavonoids. A researcher said: "A colourful diet rich in flavonoids seems to be a good bet for promoting long-term brain health."
Researchers studied the diets and mental health of 77,000 older people for 20 years. They found that people who ate more flavonoids were 38 per cent less likely to get dementia. This means older people could feel up to four years younger. A researcher said: "Flavonoids are powerhouses when it comes to preventing your thinking skills from declining as you get older. Adding colour to your plate may lower the risk of cognitive decline."