Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, May 6: A new international study has revealed that enjoying your daily cup of black tea and snacking on berries or apples might do more than please your palate — it could help you age gracefully and healthily.
The study, conducted by researchers from Edith Cowan University (Australia), Queen’s University Belfast (UK), and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (US), highlights the importance of flavonoid-rich foods in reducing the risk of unhealthy ageing.
Dr Nicola Bondonno, Adjunct Lecturer at Edith Cowan University, stated, “The goal of medical research is not just to help people live longer but to ensure they stay healthy for as long as possible.”
The research, which analysed data from over 86,000 individuals across a span of 24 years, found a strong correlation between higher intake of flavonoids — compounds found in black tea, citrus fruits, apples, and berries — and lower risks of frailty, poor physical function, and mental health decline, especially in women.
Women with the highest flavonoid consumption showed a 15% reduced risk of frailty, a 12% lower chance of physical impairment, and a 12% decline in mental health deterioration when compared to those with the lowest intake. In men, while fewer associations were found, a notable 15% reduction in poor mental health was linked to higher flavonoid intake.
“Flavonoids help by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, maintaining blood vessel health, and preserving muscle mass — all vital for staying active and mentally sharp in later years,” explained Prof Aedin Cassidy of Queen’s University.
The study further revealed that just adding three servings of flavonoid-rich foods daily could lower ageing-related health risks by up to 11%.
Prof Eric Rimm from Harvard added, “These findings underscore the powerful role simple dietary changes can play in enhancing quality of life as we grow older.”
So, the next time you reach for your cup of tea or a handful of berries, know that you're not just enjoying a treat — you're investing in a healthier future.