You know the old saying about the apple a day and how it can keep the doctor away? Turns out there might actually be something to it after all.
According to a
new study research shows that a diet rich in flavonoid-heavy foods – such as apples – can indeed keep you healthy, and also make it easier to keep weight off as you age.
What the heck are flavonoids, I hear you ask.
Flavonoids are a natural component found in plants that make the plant cells communicate, and help create the plant’s color so that the plant is attractive to insects that help with pollination. According to medical research, in humans, flavonoids “seem to push the right biological buttons that keep bodies from gaining weight.”
In this study the researchers looked at diet, exercise and lifestyle data from more than 124,000 middle-aged and older people. What they found was that those who ate diets rich in flavonoid-filled foods maintained their weight better than people who didn't, even after adjusting for smoking and fitness activities. Some even lost a little weight.
Sounds promising, doesn't it? So which foods have a high amount of flavonoids? Berries, grapes, radishes, apples, green tea, onion, bananas, peppers, parsley, and celery.
There are different types of flavonoids, and the authors of this study found the ones that seem to work best are called anthocyanins, which are found in strawberries, cherries, blackberries, blueberries, grapes, radishes and blackcurrants. The flavonoid polymers -- the ones in apples and green tea -- were also beneficial as were the flavonols in tea and onions.
Now, who is ready for a sprinkle of berries on their breakfast?!
