The health benefits of flavonoids -- a class of plant-based chemicals known for their antioxidant properties -- may also protect your brain from Alzheimer's, according to a new study.
Epicatechin -- the flavonoid found in many plants and, in high quantities, in tea, cocoa and grapes -- may protect brain cells from damaging beta-amyloid peptides deposited abnormally via a mechanism unrelated to its antioxidant properties, scientists said.
All the good news notwithstanding, researchers believe the real challenge is to identify any single flavonoid or combinations of chemicals that can do the job and determine how they work before committing to any clinical trials.
Science Daily July 19, 2009
The Press Association July 9, 2009