A flavonoid-rich diet, including tea, dark chocolate, and berries, may reduce dementia risk by 28 per cent, according to research from Queen’s University Belfast. Getty Images
A flavonoid-rich diet, including tea, dark chocolate, and berries, may reduce dementia risk by 28 per cent, according to research from Queen’s University Belfast. Getty Images
A flavonoid-rich diet, including tea, dark chocolate, and berries, may reduce dementia risk by 28 per cent, according to research from Queen’s University Belfast. Getty Images
A flavonoid-rich diet, including tea, dark chocolate, and berries, may reduce dementia risk by 28 per cent, according to research from Queen’s University Belfast. Getty Images

Why tea and chocolate could help stave off dementia


Soraya Ebrahimi
  • English
  • Arabic

People who eat a diet rich in flavonoids, such as tea, dark chocolate and berries, could lower their risk of developing dementia, new medical research has found.

A team of researchers at Queen’s University Belfast conducted a study that found increasing the intake of flavonoid-rich foods and drinks could help reduce the risk of developing the incurable illness by 28 per cent.

There are currently about 1 million people in the UK living with a form of dementia – a figure that is projected to rise to 1.4 million people by 2040.

While age and genetics contribute substantially to the development of the disease, the researchers said evidence has shown that risk factors such as diet can play an important role in prevention.

The study published in JAMA Network Open found that flavonoids, primarily found in plant foods, have a range of health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.

They have also been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, as well as improved cognitive function.

“The worldwide prevalence of dementia continues to increase rapidly,” Professor Aedin Cassidy, Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems and Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s said.

“In this population-based cohort study, we analysed dietary data from over 120,000 adults aged between 40 and 70 years from the UK Biobank.

“Our findings show that consuming six additional servings of flavonoid-rich foods per day, in particular berries and tea, was associated with a 28 per cent lower risk of dementia.

“The findings were most noticeable in individuals with a high genetic risk as well as those with symptoms of depression.”

“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, from the School of Biological Sciences at Queen’s 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.”

Essentials

The flights
Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Seattle from Dh6,755 return in economy and Dh24,775 in business class.
The cruise
UnCruise Adventures offers a variety of small-ship cruises in Alaska and around the world. A 14-day Alaska’s Inside Passage and San Juans Cruise from Seattle to Juneau or reverse costs from $4,695 (Dh17,246), including accommodation, food and most activities. Trips in 2019 start in April and run until September. 
 

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

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    Always check the weather forecast before setting off Make sure you have plenty of water Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon Wear appropriate clothing and footwear Take your litter home with you
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Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

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  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Engine: 3.5-litre V6

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 290hp

Torque: 340Nm

Price: Dh155,800

On sale: now

ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.

The hotels

Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.

The tours

A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages. 

Profile Idealz

Company: Idealz

Founded: January 2018

Based: Dubai

Sector: E-commerce

Size: (employees): 22

Investors: Co-founders and Venture Partners (9 per cent)

The candidates

Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive

Ali Azeem, business leader

Tony Booth, professor of education

Lord Browne, former BP chief executive

Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist

Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist

Dr Mark Mann, scientist

Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner

Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister

Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster

 

Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

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Updated: September 17, 2024, 11:01 PM`