People the world are living longer. This means there are more people who suffer mental illnesses dementia. Researchers have found that food can cut the chances developing dementia. particular, if people eat food that contains flavonoids, they could reduce their chances getting dementia a third. Flavonoids are chemicals that give fruit and vegetables their bright colours. They help increase the amount oxygen going to the brain. They are produce such as blueberries, oranges, peppers and strawberries. Researcher Dr Walter Willett Harvard University said: "A colourful diet rich flavonoids seems to be a good bet promoting long-term brain health."
Dr Willett conducted a study the eating habits and mental health of 77,000 middle-aged people for 20 years. He discovered that people who ate more flavonoids were less likely to experience signs cognitive decline later in their life. The researchers said people who ate more flavonoid-rich food were 38 per cent less likely to suffer mental decline. Dr Willett said this meant people their later years could feel to four years younger with the right diet. He added: "Flavonoids are powerhouses when it comes to preventing your thinking skills declining as you get older. Adding colour to your plate may lower the risk cognitive decline."
