Health briefs: Drink cocoa, keep moving

Health briefs: Cocoa and dementia

A drink rich in flavonols -- the same antioxidants found in chocolate -- may help people with mild memory problems improve their brain function, according to Italian researchers.

Flavonols are found in tea, grapes, red wine, apples and especially in cocoa plants and are associated with a decreased risk of dementia, the researchers said.

Along with a foundation of regular physical activity, weight control and a calorie-controlled and nutritionally balanced diet, "regular cocoa flavonol consumption seems to represent an effective strategy in preserving brain and cardiovascular health and function," said Dr. Giovambattista Desideri at the University of L'Aquila.

Flavonols' ability to help maintain brain function may arise from their ability to protect brain cells, improve brain metabolism and blood flow, which helps preserve memory, the researchers said.

Get moving

Keeping up a leisure-time physical activity regimen for a decade or more could help middle-aged adults improve their heart health, researchers report.

Over time, routine activities -- such as brisk walking, biking, or even doing housework or gardening vigorously -- can reduce markers of inflammation, according to new research published in Circulation.

-- HealthDay