Food That Fights Alzheimers Disease (AD)

Certain foods are natural brain builders, and come can even help fight off the plaque damage associated with Alzheimers (AD).

Every major disease that kills people in this country has an oxidative stress component, says Dr. Joseph of Tufts University. For him and other researchers interested in preserving the brain’s ability to function, oxidative stress is seen as the natural enemy. And this is especially true with Alzheimers (AD).

You are probably already familiar with the importance of some antioxidants like vitamins C and E.  But more recently other antioxidants have come into the limelight. Many are natural chemicals (Flavonoids) that plants have evolved to protect themselves from disease. Flavonoids include the anthocyanins found in brightly colored fruits, and anthoxanthins found in green tea and soybeans.

It seems the most colorful fruits and veggies are the most potent in anthocyanins  — including blueberries, blackberries and cranberries. And their antioxidants also have anti-inflammatory actions. 

Here’s great news: Blueberries actually reverse some of the effects of aging on the brain — and boost short-term memory and spatial learning. People who eat a cup of blueberries a day perform well on tests of motor skills. And purple grape juice is also rich in flavonoids, and boosts mental performance.

And then there is curcumin — the active component of turmeric. This has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and helps remove the harmful metal buildup of metal associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Recent lab tests suggest that it directly targets the brain plaques linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

This may help explain why India, where turmeric commonly tints curry dishes, has a particularly low rate of Alzheimer’s (AD).

Posted by Julie Rosset, MA
Editor of land On Your Feet ezine