A CUP of tea or a glass of red wine a day helps keep us younger, a study suggests.
The flavonoids found in the drinks mean we “age better”, researchers found.
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The findings show that women with the highest flavonoid intakes had a 15 per cent lower risk of frailty, a 12 per cent reduced risk of impaired physical function and a 12 per cent lower risk of poor mental health compared to those with the lowest intakes.
Fewer benefits were observed in men but higher flavonoid intake was still linked to a lower risk of poor mental health.
Scientists already knew that flavonoids — also found in berries, citrus fruits and apples — helped stave off conditions such as dementia, diabetes and heart disease.
The joint study by universities in Belfast, Australia and the US analysed data from 62,743 women and 23,687 men over a 24-year period.
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It also drew on data from studies on health service staff including NHS nurses, covering 121,701 women and 51,529 men.
Edith Cowan University’s Dr Nicola Bondonno said: “The goal of medical research is not just to help people live longer but to ensure they stay healthy for as long as possible.
“We know from previous research that people who have a higher flavonoid intake tend to live longer and they are also less likely to get any of the major chronic diseases such as dementia, diabetes or heart disease.
“Our research shows that people who consume more flavonoids tend to age better.”
Study author Professor Aedin Cassidy added: “Flavonoids are well known for reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, supporting blood vessel health and even helping to maintain skeletal muscle mass.
“All of which are important for preventing frailty and maintaining physical function and mental health as we age.”
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