A healthy lifestyle can be followed only when you incorporate nutrition along with exercise in your daily routine. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein not only provides numerous benefits but can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers. But there are also certain foods that have a positive impact on brain ageing and can help prevent degenerative diseases like dementia.

According to experts, while there is no way to reverse dementia or Alzheimer's that leads to a loss of cognitive functioning like thinking, remembering, and reasoning that interferes with daily life - you can delay or even prevent the onset of symptoms by your dietary habits.

Studies say incorporating antioxidants and flavonoids has a 28 per cent lower risk of dementia than people who ate the least. The health-boosting chemicals are found in various foods, like:

Statistics say the number of people living with dementia across the world is forecast to nearly triple to 153 million by 2050 - which presents a rapidly increasing threat to global health and social care systems. And so, it is best to prevent it by increasing the intake of flavonoid-rich foods and drinks.

Berries – loaded with flavonoids are also anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer in properties and have been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, as well as improved cognitive function.

Green vegetables like kale, spinach, mustard, and collards can help to slow the decline in cognitive abilities with older age. According to experts, the neuroprotective actions of lutein, folate, β-carotene, and phylloquinone – in all greens help protect your brain health for a longer time.

Also, since they are rich in antioxidants and flavonols like kaempferol and quercetin – they help in slower decline in global cognitive function.

According to Harvard Health, those who regularly drink tea have a 50 per cent lower risk of dementia. This is consistent with earlier findings that showed tea consumers scored higher on various cognitive tests.

Tea is loaded with bioactive compounds like flavonoids - which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential, and L-theanine, which regulates neurotransmitter and brain activities.

Alcohol is among the most abused substances in the world; however, research says drinking red wine moderately can be a little useful. Make sure you do not indulge in unhealthy consumption habits that can cause damage to internal organs and increase the risk of several chronic conditions.

Red wine – a powerhouse of antioxidants can cut the risk of dementia by 28 per cent, a study suggests. According to the American Academy of Neurology, those who drank wine weekly or monthly were more than two times less likely to develop dementia.

Dark chocolate flavonoids and antioxidants improve cognitive function and promote better blood flow to the brain. Studies say moderate consumption of dark chocolate improves brain blood flow, oxygen levels, and nerve function as measured by imaging tests or tests of electrical activity in the brain.

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