Alzheimer's Disease: Brain Health And Foods That Fight The Disease

Alzheimer's Disease: Brain Health And Foods That Fight The Disease

Researchers has recently shown that certain nutrients possess benefits in reducing the risk of degenerative diseases of the brain. Antioxidants, such as vitamins E, C, B12 and folic acid have been shown to play an important role in healthy brain functioning. Antioxidants, often found in fruits and vegetables, have also been associated with improved mental function, including memory. Vitamin B12 and folic acid may also have beneficial effects on overall cognitive abilities.

Alzheimer's Disease is a degenerative brain disease that can cause a person to forget recent events or familiar tasks. Recent research has also shown that a diet rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, may protect against Alzheimer's disease and slow the progression of the disease in people already diagnosed with Alzheimer's. It is believed that people with low levels of folate and vitamin B12 in their blood may be at a higher risk of Alzheimer's Disease.

The disease is characterised by abnormal deposits of a protein called beta-amyloid (plaque) in the brain as well as by twisted fibres caused by changes in a protein called “tau” (tangles).
Those who find it hard to incorporate a range of healthy foods into their diet should consider taking a daily multivitamin. A good multivitamin/mineral supplement that includes vitamins C, B6, E, D, folic acid and minerals such as iron, zinc and selenium, could improve mental functioning and help delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

To help fight Alzheimer’s Disease, you need to consume plenty of the following foods:

• Fatty fish for the omega-3 fatty acids can be found in salmon, sardines and mackerel;
• Meat, fish, poultry, whole grains, beans, lentils, avocados, bananas, nuts, potatoes and leafy greens for vitamin B6;
• Eggs, soybeans and soy products, liver, whole grains, and wheat germ – all reasonably good sources of lecithin and choline;
• Leafy green vegetables, corn, orange juice, cooked beans and lentils, enriched breads and cereals for folate;
• Lean meat, fish, poultry or dairy products for vitamin B12

You also need to avoid antacids with aluminium and using cooking utensils made of aluminium. Though some researchers argue that the metal may not cause the disease, its increased concentration in the Alzheimer’s brain worsens the condition. Here is a tip: cook acidic foods, such as tomatoes, in iron pots that add large amounts of iron to foods. Foods may be discoloured, but taste is unaffected.

According to this report, Alzheimer’s disease and type 2 diabetes have some sort of correlation between each other. Type 2 diabetes is more associated with obesity, which often appears later in life.

Nutrition intake in foods should be monitored carefully. Supplements only when specifically recommended by a physician.

Alzheimer's Disease: Brain Health And Foods That Fight The Disease