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Introduction to week 3

In this article we introduce the topics of the third week of the course: flavonoids and their possible effect on our health.
What are flavonoids?

Green tea, chocolate and berries are some commonly cited superfoods, and they share one characteristic: being a rich source of flavonoids.

In fact, the antioxidant properties of these foods depends on their content of flavonoids and other polyphenols, but flavonoid could have an effect on our body also through other mechanisms.

In the first activity we will begin discussing whether flavonoids can have a positive effect on our health, mood and cognitive functions, and we will discuss the properties of some foods that are very rich in them. In the second activity of the week we will focus on a specific area of our wellbeing: cognitive and brain functions. We will also review some studies that investigate the role that another class of substances – omega 3 fatty acids – can have on our brain health.

We will also invite you to discuss with us whether your interest in superfoods is also driven by their possible beneficial effect on mental functions, and if you are consuming them for this property.

We wish you a good week of learning.

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Superfoods: Myths and Truths

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