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NEW RESEARCH HAS FOUND THAT THESE TASTY SNACKS MAY WARD OFF A MULTITUDE OF SERIOUS AILMENTS 12:29, 04 Jun 2025 A new study has identified four foods that could help elongate our lifespans,

and even cut the risk of diseases like Parkinson's, cancer and diabetes. Scientists across several universities from Northern Ireland to Vienna conducted a study that may have found the

key to living longer. The study found that incorporating certain foods into your diet could help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and neurological

diseases. Researchers from Queen's University Belfast, Edith Cowan University Perth (ECU), and the Medical University of Vienna and Universitat Wien led the study, which was published

in Nature Food. Tea, berries, dark chocolate and apples are high in compounds called flavonoids, and consuming a variety of foods containing these compounds could extend your life

expectancy, according to the new research. Flavonoids are a group of plant compounds that are high in antioxidants, and can be found in a range of foods, predominantly fruit and vegetables

including broccoli, onions, tomatoes, peaches and grapes. Previous studies have pointed towards their abilities to prevent health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer,

and therefore contribute to longevity. But this was the first study to identify that eating a variety of foods containing the compounds could impact life expectancy, rather than just the

quantity consumed. The new study tracked the progress of over 120,000 participants aging from 40 to 70 years old for over 10 years. Article continues below First author and co-lead of the

study Dr Benjamin Parmenter said: "Flavonoid intakes of around 500 mg a day was associated with a 16 per cent lower risk of all-cause mortality, as well as a 10 per cent lower risk of

CVD, type 2 diabetes, and respiratory disease. That's roughly the amount of flavonoids that you would consume in two cups of tea." But consuming a wide diversity of flavonoids had

an even lower risk of these diseases, even when consuming the same total amount of the plant compounds. So instead of just drinking tea or eating apples, it's better to eat a range of

flavonoid-rich foods to make up your intake- and even red wine is rich in the antioxidant compounds. Another co-lead on the study, Professor Aedín Cassidy said: "We have known for some

time that higher intakes of dietary flavonoids, powerful bioactives naturally present in many foods and drinks, can reduce the risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and

neurological conditions like Parkinson's. Article continues below "We also know from lab data and clinical studies that different flavonoids work in different ways, some improve

blood pressure, others help with cholesterol levels and decrease inflammation. This study is significant as the results indicate that consuming a higher quantity and wider diversity has the

potential to lead to a greater reduction in ill health than just a single source." JOIN THE DAILY RECORD WHATSAPP COMMUNITY! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by

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