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Alzheimer's
Do This ONE Thing To Help Prevent The Onset Of Alzheimer’s And Dementia
Date: 05/10/09
Previous studies have shown that while antioxidants from food have a positive impact on your brain and can prevent cognitive decline, supplements do not appear to offer the same benefits.
It seems your brain is too smart to settle for second best, and the key for optimal brain health is FOOD based, and can likely not be duplicated by supplements alone.
A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (JAD) suggests that individuals with a high daily intake of antioxidant-rich fruit and veg also demonstrate higher cognitive performance.
Previous studies have shown that while antioxidants from food have a positive impact on your brain and can prevent cognitive decline, supplements do not appear to offer the same benefits.
It seems your brain is too smart to settle for second best, and the key for optimal brain health is FOOD based, and can likely not be duplicated by supplements alone.
For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2002, found that diets rich in antioxidant-rich vitamin E may delay the onset of memory-robbing Alzheimer's disease.
Nature knows best
This latest study conducted at the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I of the Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, in Germany, confirms previous studies on vegetable intake and dementia.
In the study, healthy subjects (ages 45 – 102) underwent cognitive testing while their blood was checked for antioxidant micronutrients and biomarkers of oxidative stress. Their daily fruit and vegetable intake was also assessed.
The subjects in the high fruit and veggie intake (about 400 grams per day) group scored significantly higher on the cognitive tests than those in a low fruit and veggie intake (under 100 grams per day) group. They also had higher antioxidant levels and lower biomarkers for oxidative stress than those in the low intake group.
The results were independent of age, gender, body mass index, education, total cholesterol, LDL- and HDL- cholesterol, triglycerides, and albumin.
The researchers concluded that “modification of nutritional habits aimed at increasing intake of fruits and vegetables should be encouraged to lower prevalence of cognitive impairment in later life.”
Dr. M. Cristina Polidori, lead researcher explains: "It is known that there is a strong association between fruit and vegetable intake and the natural antioxidant defences of the body against free radicals. It is also known that bad nutritional habits increase the risk of developing cognitive impairment with and without dementia. With this work we show a multiple link between fruit and vegetable intake, antioxidant defences and cognitive performance, in the absence of disease and independent of age. Among other lifestyle habits, it is recommended to improve nutrition in general and fruit and vegetable intake in particular at any age, beginning as early as possible. This may increase our chances to remain free of dementia in advanced age."
Another study in 2006, conducted by researchers at the Vanderbilt University in Nashville, in the US, also found that drinking freshly juiced fruit and vegetables more than three times a week can dramatically cut the chances ( by up to 76 per cent) of developing Alzheimer's disease.
You are what you eat
Along with the latest study, these add to a wealth of research showing that diet can play a key role in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
Previous studies have suggested that eating a 'Mediterranean' diet with lots of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, fish and a little red wine - can cut the risk of getting Alzheimer's by 40 per cent.
Other research has shown that eating curry can help stave off the disease and improve mental agility because of compounds found in the spice turmeric.
Drinking more than two cups of green tea a day has also been shown to halve the risk of mental decline in old age by up to a half.
Earlier this year Dr Robert Williams, a Biochemist working at Kings College London spoke at the British Pharmacological Society’s Summer Meeting and said: “There have been some intriguing epidemiological studies that the consumption of flavonoid-rich vegetables, fruit juices and red wine delays the onset of the disease [Alzheimer’s]”.
As much as we support the use of daily supplements here at The Daily Health, it only goes to show: You really are what you eat.
Alzheimer's Related Reading:
Folate May Be A Key Nutrient For Preventing Memory Loss
Niacin Found To Reduce The Risk Of Cognitive Decline
Antioxidants Found To Improve Cognitive Function In Alzheimers Sufferers
Alzheimer's: Lower your risk of Alzheimers disease with these vitamins
New Study Suggests Daydreaming Leads To Alzheimer's
Sources:
‘High fruit and vegetable intake positively correlated with antioxidant status, cognitive performance’ published online 08.09.09, eurekalert.org
‘This ONE Action Keeps Brain Function at its Peak’ by Dr. Mercola, published online 03.10.09, articles.mercola.com
‘Drinking juiced fruit and veg 'cuts Alzheimer's risk by 76%' by Emily Clark, published online 01.09.06, dailymail.co.uk
‘Chemicals Found In Fruit And Vegetables Offer Dementia Hope’ published online 19.07.09, sciencedaily.com
Back to topPrevious studies have shown that while antioxidants from food have a positive impact on your brain and can prevent cognitive decline, supplements do not appear to offer the same benefits.
It seems your brain is too smart to settle for second best, and the key for optimal brain health is FOOD based, and can likely not be duplicated by supplements alone.
For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2002, found that diets rich in antioxidant-rich vitamin E may delay the onset of memory-robbing Alzheimer's disease.
Nature knows best
This latest study conducted at the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I of the Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, in Germany, confirms previous studies on vegetable intake and dementia.
In the study, healthy subjects (ages 45 – 102) underwent cognitive testing while their blood was checked for antioxidant micronutrients and biomarkers of oxidative stress. Their daily fruit and vegetable intake was also assessed.
The subjects in the high fruit and veggie intake (about 400 grams per day) group scored significantly higher on the cognitive tests than those in a low fruit and veggie intake (under 100 grams per day) group. They also had higher antioxidant levels and lower biomarkers for oxidative stress than those in the low intake group.
The results were independent of age, gender, body mass index, education, total cholesterol, LDL- and HDL- cholesterol, triglycerides, and albumin.
The researchers concluded that “modification of nutritional habits aimed at increasing intake of fruits and vegetables should be encouraged to lower prevalence of cognitive impairment in later life.”
Dr. M. Cristina Polidori, lead researcher explains: "It is known that there is a strong association between fruit and vegetable intake and the natural antioxidant defences of the body against free radicals. It is also known that bad nutritional habits increase the risk of developing cognitive impairment with and without dementia. With this work we show a multiple link between fruit and vegetable intake, antioxidant defences and cognitive performance, in the absence of disease and independent of age. Among other lifestyle habits, it is recommended to improve nutrition in general and fruit and vegetable intake in particular at any age, beginning as early as possible. This may increase our chances to remain free of dementia in advanced age."
Another study in 2006, conducted by researchers at the Vanderbilt University in Nashville, in the US, also found that drinking freshly juiced fruit and vegetables more than three times a week can dramatically cut the chances ( by up to 76 per cent) of developing Alzheimer's disease.
You are what you eat
Along with the latest study, these add to a wealth of research showing that diet can play a key role in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
Previous studies have suggested that eating a 'Mediterranean' diet with lots of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, fish and a little red wine - can cut the risk of getting Alzheimer's by 40 per cent.
Other research has shown that eating curry can help stave off the disease and improve mental agility because of compounds found in the spice turmeric.
Drinking more than two cups of green tea a day has also been shown to halve the risk of mental decline in old age by up to a half.
Earlier this year Dr Robert Williams, a Biochemist working at Kings College London spoke at the British Pharmacological Society’s Summer Meeting and said: “There have been some intriguing epidemiological studies that the consumption of flavonoid-rich vegetables, fruit juices and red wine delays the onset of the disease [Alzheimer’s]”.
As much as we support the use of daily supplements here at The Daily Health, it only goes to show: You really are what you eat.
Alzheimer's Related Reading:
Folate May Be A Key Nutrient For Preventing Memory Loss
Niacin Found To Reduce The Risk Of Cognitive Decline
Antioxidants Found To Improve Cognitive Function In Alzheimers Sufferers
Alzheimer's: Lower your risk of Alzheimers disease with these vitamins
New Study Suggests Daydreaming Leads To Alzheimer's
Sources:
‘High fruit and vegetable intake positively correlated with antioxidant status, cognitive performance’ published online 08.09.09, eurekalert.org
‘This ONE Action Keeps Brain Function at its Peak’ by Dr. Mercola, published online 03.10.09, articles.mercola.com
‘Drinking juiced fruit and veg 'cuts Alzheimer's risk by 76%' by Emily Clark, published online 01.09.06, dailymail.co.uk
‘Chemicals Found In Fruit And Vegetables Offer Dementia Hope’ published online 19.07.09, sciencedaily.com
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