Polyphenols are a type of antioxidant that is found abundantly in blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. Cristina Andres-Lacueva, from the University of Barcelona, and colleagues analyzed data from 807 men and women, ages 65 and older, who were enrolled in the Invecchiare in Chianti study on aging. Following the subjects for 12 years, the team measured total urinary polyphenols and surveyed them as to dietary habits and foods eaten. The researchers observed that the participants who ate the most dietary polyphenols had a 30 percent reduced risk of death. Further, those who ate polyphenol-rich foods were at lower risk for chronic diseases. Submitted the authors, “[Total urinary polyphenol] is an independent risk factor for mortality among community-dwelling older adults, suggesting that high dietary intake of polyphenols may be associated with longevity.”
Zamora-Ros, R., et al. (2013). High concentrations of a urinary biomarker of polyphenol intake are associated with decreased mortality in older adults. J Nutr. 143:1445-1450.
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