Two fruits that could help lower chances of developing frailty in old age

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Eating fruits such as blackberries and apples may help to lower the risk of frailty in older age, a recent study has suggested.Plant-based foods that contain dietary compounds called flavonols could potentially be linked to decreased chances of the condition developing.And the recent study, which was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggests flavonoids called quercetin which is found in apples and blackberries, could be the most important in the fight against frailty.

The condition is usually characterised by problems in older age such as weakened muscles and fatigue, according to Age UK.Researchers found that for every 10 mg higher intake of flavonols per day – about one medium-sized apple – the odds of frailty were reduced by 20%.About 10% of people aged over 65 live with it, and this figure rises to between 25% and 50% for those aged over 85.Current dietary recommendations for frailty prevention primarily focus on protein intake.But the researchers say there are many other foods that may have health benefits.The study authors say: “There may be some validity to the old saying, an apple a day keeps the doctor (or frailty) away.“Our findings suggest that for every 10 mg higher intake of flavonols per day, the odds of frailty were reduced by 20%.“Individuals can easily consume 10 mg of flavonols intake per day since one medium-sized apple has about 10 mg of flavonols."Co-authors Shivani Sahni and Courtney Millar, of Harvard Medical School, and the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Ageing Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, said: “Although there was no significant association between total flavonoid intake and frailty, higher flavonols intake (one of the subclasses of flavonoids) was associated with