• Properties of black tea to prevent calcification of the aorta
• Flavonoids: what they are and why they help
• Other foods with flavonoids

A daily cup of tea could help seniors enjoy better health in old age; however, if you’re not a tea drinker, there are other things you can add to your diet.

The key is flavonoids, which are natural substances found in many common foods and drinks, such as black and green tea, apples, nuts, citrus fruits, berries, and other plant foods.

It has long been known that these foods have many health benefits; however, new research from Edith Cowan University (Australia) shows that they may be even better for us than previously thought.

The Heart Foundation supported a study of 881 older women (average age 80) and found that they were much less likely to have extensive abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) accumulation if they consumed a high level of flavonoids in their diet.

PROPERTIES OF BLACK TEA TO PREVENT CALCIFICATION OF THE AORTA

Calcification of the abdominal aorta, the largest artery in the body, which supplies oxygenated blood from the heart to the abdominal organs and lower extremities, is a predictor of cardiovascular risk, such as heart attack and stroke.

It has also been found to be a reliable predictor for dementia in old age.

The Heart Foundation supported a study of 881 older women (average age 80) and found that they were much less likely to have extensive abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) accumulation if they consumed a high level of flavonoids in their diet.

PROPERTIES OF BLACK TEA TO PREVENT CALCIFICATION OF THE AORTA

Calcification of the abdominal aorta, the largest artery in the body, which supplies oxygenated blood from the heart to the abdominal organs and lower extremities, is a predictor of cardiovascular risk, such as heart attack and stroke.

It has also been found to be a reliable predictor for dementia in old age.

Black tea was the study cohort’s main source of total flavonoids and was also associated with significantly lower odds of extensive AAC.

Compared to respondents who did not drink tea, participants who drank two to six cups a day were 16 to 42 percent less likely to have extensive AAC.

However, some other dietary sources of flavonoids, such as fruit juice, red wine, and chocolate, did not show a significant beneficial association with AAC.

OTHER FOODS WITH FLAVONOIDS

Although black tea was the main source of flavonoids in the study, likely due to the age of the participants, Parmenter said people could still benefit from flavonoids without lighting the kettle.

“Of women who don’t drink black tea, a higher total intake of non-tea flavonoids also appears to protect against extensive calcification of the arteries,” she said.

“This implies that flavonoids from sources other than black tea may protect against CAA when tea is not consumed.” Dr Parmenter said this was important as it allows non-tea drinkers to continue to benefit from flavonoids in their diet.

“In other populations or groups of people, such as young men or people from other countries, black tea might not be the main source of flavonoids,” he said.

“AAC is an important predictor of vascular disease, and this study shows that flavonoid intake, which could protect against AAC, is easily achievable in most people’s diets.”

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