Published on: May 06, 2025
A new international study led by researchers from Queen’s University Belfast, Edith Cowan University, and Harvard University has found that consuming foods rich in flavonoids may significantly reduce the risk of key markers associated with unhealthy aging, including frailty, reduced physical function, and poor mental health.
Flavonoids are widely recognized for their ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, support vascular health, and help preserve skeletal muscle mass — all of which play a crucial role in preventing frailty and maintaining both physical and cognitive function as we age, explained Professor Aedin Cassidy, senior author from Queen’s University Belfast.
Professor Cassidy emphasized that regular consumption of flavonoid-rich foods—such as berries, apples, oranges, tea, and red wine—may promote healthier aging by lowering the risks of frailty, physical decline, and mental health issues. She noted that the stronger associations observed in women may be influenced by differences in follow-up periods between study cohorts, though more research is needed to determine whether true sex-specific effects exist.
Dr. Nicola Bondonno, Adjunct Lecturer at Edith Cowan University, added: The aim of medical research isn't just to extend lifespan but to ensure people remain healthy and functional for as long as possible. Prior studies have already shown that individuals with higher flavonoid intake tend to live longer and face lower risks of chronic diseases like dementia, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. Our research further supports the idea that a diet rich in flavonoids contributes to healthier aging.”
The large-scale study, which tracked data from 62,743 women and 23,687 men over 24 years, revealed that women with the highest flavonoid intake had a 15% lower risk of developing frailty, a 12% reduced risk of impaired physical function, and a 12% lower risk of experiencing poor mental health compared to those with the lowest intake. Although fewer associations were identified in men, increased flavonoid consumption was still linked to a significantly lower risk of poor mental health.
We observed that individuals who added just three daily servings of flavonoid-rich foods experienced a 6 percentage to 11 percentage reduction in risk across all three aging outcomes in women, and up to a 15percentage reduction in poor mental health risk in men,” said Professor Eric Rimm of Harvard University.
These findings highlight the powerful potential of simple dietary changes to improve overall well-being and help support healthier aging.
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