Wine, dark chocolate and tea improve thinking and memory skills in men and women aged over 70. A study conducted by researchers from the universities of Oxford and Oslo found that a combination of wine, dark chocolate, and tea, consumed in moderate amounts, enhanced cognitive performance in the elderly. All three food stuffs contain relatively high levels of flavonoids.
Flavonoids are found in many food and drinks but there are particularly high levels in grapes; apples; green and black tea, cocoa and soy beans.
Classed as antioxidants, flavonoids have many health benefits including reducing blood cholesterol levels and easing menopausal symptoms. They can also enhance the memory’s ability to remember and think clearly.
The researchers analysed data from over 2,000 Norwegian men and women aged between 70 and 74 and found that those who consumed wine, chocolate or tea did significantly better in memory tests.
To see an effect you’ll need a daily intake of at least two squares of chocolate, two cups of tea and half a glass of wine (preferably red). What should be done with the rest of the half-consumed chocolate bar, pot of tea and bottle of wine the researchers didn’t say.
PG Wine Reviews
Les Jamelles French Syrah 2012
£6.49 Co-op
Attractive blackcurrant and black cherry aromas and flavours. Very slurpable.
Spar La Catedral Spanish Rioja 2012
£6.89 Spar
Sweet cherry, strawberry and chocolate flavours – all shot through with liquorice. Not for those wanting an unobtrusive wine.
Morrisons M Signature Spanish Verdejo 2013
£5.49 Morrisons
Apple pie and pineapple – smooth and refreshing at the same time. Bottle label suggests partner to battered cod but I successfully partnered mine to chicken curry.
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Italian Barbera D’Asti 2011
£7 Sainsbury’s
Interesting mix of aromas varying from roast meat to violets with flavours of cherry, chocolate and under ripe blackcurrants – which the label insists is a ‘spine of acidity’ and stops the whole lot being just another sweet red wine. Nice.
Pied Tanqué Vin de France Blanc
£5.49 Majestic
Refreshing drunk cold but with enough sweetness to stop the enamel being taken off your teeth. A really good everyday white.
Calima Spanish Garnacha Blanco 2013
£7.99 Majestic (buy 2+ for £5.99)
Apple juice flavours – fresh and refreshing.
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© Paula Goddard 2014 www.paulagoddard.com
