Tea, berries, dark chocolate and apples could lead to a longer life span, flavonoid study finds

New research has found that those who consume a diverse range of foods rich in flavonoids, such as tea, berries, dark chocolate, and apples, could lower their risk of developing serious health conditions and have the potential to live longer. The study was 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.

The findings reveal that increasing the diversity of flavonoids within your diet could help prevent the development of health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer and neurological disease.

Flavonoids are found in plant foods like tea, blueberries, strawberries, oranges, apples, grapes, and even red wine and dark chocolate.

Published in Nature Food, the study tracked more than 120,000 participants aging from 40 to 70 years old for more than a decade. It is the first study of its kind to suggest that there is a benefit to consuming a wide range of flavonoids beyond that of simply consuming a high quantity.

Study co-lead, Professor Aedín Cassidy from the Co-Center for Sustainable Food Systems and Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s, said, “We have known for some time that higher intakes of dietary flavonoids, powerful bioactives naturally present in many foods and drinks, can reduce the risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and neurological conditions like Parkinson’s.

“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.”

ECU Research Fellow, first author and co-lead of the study, Dr. Benjamin Parmenter made the initial discovery that a flavonoid-diverse diet is good for health. He said, “Flavonoid intakes of around 500 mg a day was associated with a 16% lower risk of all-cause mortality, as well as a ~10% lower risk of CVD, type 2 diabetes, and respiratory disease. That’s roughly the amount of flavonoids that you would consume in two cups of tea.

“However, those who consumed the widest diversity of flavonoids, had an even lower risk of these diseases, even when consuming the same total amount.” Dr. Parmenter explained. “So for example, instead of just drinking tea, it’s better to eat a range of flavonoid-rich foods to make up your intake, because different flavonoids come from different foods.”

Professor Tilman Kuhn from the Medical University of Vienna, Universitat Wien and Queen’s University Belfast was also a co-lead author. He said, “The importance of diversity of flavonoid intake has never been investigated until now, so our study is very significant as the findings align with popular claims that eating colorful foods are invaluable to maintaining good health. Eating fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors, including those rich in flavonoids, means you’re more likely to get the vitamins and nutrients you need to sustain a healthier lifestyle.”

The first-ever dietary guidelines for flavonoids were released recently, recommending increasing the consumption of flavonoids to maintain health. Dr. Parmenter said, “Our study provides inaugural evidence that we may also need to advise increasing diversity of intake of these compounds for optimal benefits.”

Professor Aedín Cassidy said, “The results provide a clear public health message, suggesting that simple and achievable dietary swaps, such as drinking more tea and eating more berries and apples, for example, can help increase the variety and intake of flavonoid-rich food, and potentially improve health in the long-term.”