I’ve talked before about the positive effects of polyphenols, which are found in fruits like grapes and in tea, red wine, cocoa and coffee. The largest subtype of polyphenols are called flavonoids. There’s been some really interesting research linking the intake of flavonoids and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia in general. On the one hand, it seems that moderate alcohol use may help prevent Alzheimer’s, but on the other hand, too much alcohol has long been regarded as one of the causes of dementia.
Tea, similarly, appears to be protective in moderate amounts, helping to prevent the cognitive impairment that goes along with aging. But too much of tea’s polyphenols, at higher concentrations (like what you might find in supplements), appear to have a damaging effect on the body’s cells. Good News for Those Who Love Chocolate, Wine or Tea
