Berry protective
There are many benefits to plant foods and one of the latest studies looking at the intake of flavonoids and the risk of developing Parkinson disease, confirmed it once again. Flavonoids are a group of natural compounds found only in plants and it’s been shown many times before that they have antioxidant properties and might be nerve-protecting. The food diaries of nearly 130,000 participants of this study were followed for 20 to 22 years. At the end of the study, scientists analysed the data and found that those who consumed the most berries – a food group particularly rich in a specific type of flavonoids (anthocyanins) – had significantly lower risk of developing Parkinson disease. Berries are an excellent source of many important nutrients and a very natural food for the human body. If you can’t afford to buy fresh berries or they are not in season, go for frozen – they are almost as good as fresh and more wallet-friendly!
Gao, X. et al., 2012. Habitual intake of dietary flavonoids and risk of Parkinson disease. Neurology. 78 (15) 1138-1145.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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