Flavonoid Content In Berry Fruits Help Against Aging

Illustration of berry fruit to help fight aging (Pexels/Jane Trang Doan)

JAKARTA - Berry fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberry are known to be rich in antioxidants, one of which is flavonoids.

This natural content not only helps maintain endurance, but also plays an important role in slowing down the aging process, maintaining brain function, and improving heart health. No wonder berry is often referred to as a superfood for productive and advanced age.

A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed that consumption of flavonoid-rich foods such as tea, oranges, apples, and berries can reduce the risk of unhealthy aging. This condition includes weak physical function, mental disorders, and decreased endurance with age.

This research further strengthens previous findings that antioxidant-type flavonoids found in plants play a role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, to dementia.

"Our research shows people who regularly consume flavonoids in high numbers tend to have a lower risk of physical and mental declines as they enter advanced age," said Nicola Bondonno, PhD, researcher from Columbia Cowan University in Australia.

The researchers recorded a diet of respondents and how often they eat foods that contain high flavonoids, including tea, apples, oranges, graphefruit, and berry. As a result, women with the highest flavonoid consumption experienced a 15 percent decrease in the risk of muscle weakness, 12 percent lower physical function disorders, and better mental health.

Although the impact of flavonoids on men is not as large as in women, this study still finds that men with high flavonoid intake have a lower tendency to experience psychological disorders.

Nutritionist Kathrynagung, RDN, LD, explained that flavonoids have advantages over other antioxidants because of their ability to support the autofagi process. Autofagi is the body's mechanism to dispose of damaged cells so that they can be replaced by healthy new cells," he said.

By supporting the process of cell regeneration, flavonoids are considered capable of maintaining body and mind vitality. In addition, this compound can also reduce oxidative stress, improve blood vessel health, and help maintain muscle mass.

However, it is important to note that this study is observational, meaning that it only shows correlation, not causal relations. Dr. Darshan Shah, a health and surgical expert, mentions a healthy lifestyle as a whole, including physical activity, may also play a major role in these results.

However, there is nothing wrong with starting to add flavonoid sources to daily diets. Experts recommend regularly enjoying a cup of green tea, making smoothies with a mixture of berries, or eating apples as snacks. Several other sources of flavonoid include black chocolate (at least 70%), natural orange juice, and spices such as peterseli and oregano.