There are already many scientifically proven reasons to eat foods rich in flavonoids (such as berries or onions). Consumption of flavonoids1 may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular disease.

But what are flavonoids? Quick Science Lesson: Flavonoids are a type of phenolic compound found in many plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, tea and wine2. They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and are often included in nutritional supplements due to their numerous positive health benefits.

Quercetin, a type of flavonoid antioxidant, has been shown to remove free radicals3which can lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease, kidney diseases and heart abnormalities1.

A new study suggests there may be another reason to include more quercetin in your diet: to combat age-related frailty. There was a higher intake of flavonoids, particularly quercetin associated with a lower probability of weakness in the elderly4according to a recent study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Researchers studied people participating in the large Framingham Heart Study who did not have frailty at the start of the study. The study looked at the relationship between participants’ frailty and flavonoid intake over time. (The average age of the subjects was 58 years.)

The study concluded that flavanol intake was higher associated with a 20% lower chance of frailty4while the odds decreased further (about 35% less) with increasing quercetin intake.