These effects are thought to have a significant impact upon both vascular and cerebrovascular health, ultimately with the potential to prevent cardiovascular and potentially neurodegenerative disease with a vascular component, for example vascular dementia. This review explores the current evidence for the effects of flavonoid supplementation on human endothelial function and both peripheral and cerebral blood flow CBF.

Evidence presented includes their potential to reduce blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, as well as increasing peripheral blood perfusion and promoting CBF in both healthy and at-risk populations.

tea black, white, green, oolong , cocoa-based products, grapes, berries, apples, red wine. Large human studies of flavonoids are still in their early phases, but initial findings show promise. One of the most substantial to date was a recent study linking high flavonoid intake and a lower risk of Alzheimer's and related dementias conditions with symptoms similar to Alzheimer's.

The results were published online April 22, , by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Using data from the Framingham Heart Study, researchers looked at the dietary habits of almost 3, people, average age 59, without any signs of dementia.

Over 20 years, people with the highest daily intake of flavonoids about milligrams had a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's or a related dementia than those who ate the smallest amounts about milligrams.

Still, the link between flavonoids and brain health might be a matter of coincidence. So, to protect your brain from dementia, should you load up your plate with as many flavonoid-rich foods as possible? Not really, according to Dr.

She says that the standard advice to follow a plant-based diet as much as possible still applies, and eating a variety of colors is a good idea. How much is enough? Yeh says although there is still no definite recommended daily intake for flavonoids, aiming for the suggested five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day is a good goal.

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Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. Fruits and vegetables can be squeezed into juices or smoothies as well, but Petersen said juicing is less than ideal because it removes a lot of beneficial fiber.

There's no need to force yourself to eat foods you don't like in order to get your flavonoid fix. And don't be afraid to try new ones. Anyone already following the Mediterranean, DASH or MIND diets — or any high-quality plant-based diet — shouldn't have to worry. If you have questions or comments about this story, please email [email protected].

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If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. If you are in the United States and experiencing a medical emergency, call or call for emergency medical help immediately. Home News Flavonoids are a flavorful way to boost heart and brain health.