It’s the most common form of dementia in the United States. And it’s the sixth-leading cause of death.
So of course I’m always on the lookout for natural ways to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. I just came across a new one.
And there’s a bonus to this news: It couldn’t be easier.
Research published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease shows that an old favorite could play a major role in fighting Alzheimer’s disease.
The antioxidant link to Alzheimer’s
The study was conducted in Germany, where 74 Alzheimer’s patients and 158 people without the disease between the ages of 65 and 90 were studied. Through a series of tests, the researchers found that people with mild dementia had much lower concentrations of the antioxidants vitamin C and beta-carotene in their blood than did the healthy volunteers in the study.
The team say that more research is needed. But they did find the results promising—and for good reason. Oxidative stress contributes to Alzheimer’s. This means that antioxidants could, in fact, protect the brain against developing the disease.
Another study, this one on green tea, supports these findings.
Green tea extract combats inflammation
Inflammation is a culprit in several different diseases—heart disease, cancer, and of course Alzheimer’s. The green tea study found that the catechins in green tea combat the free radicals that lead to inflammation and play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s.
Of course, of written before how green tea may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease by reducing the plaque formation that has been implicated in the nerve damage and memory loss seen in those with the disease.
The best part about this news is that it couldn’t be easier to pack your diet with antioxidants. Over the years, we’ve talked about all kinds of antioxidant-rich foods: black rice, dark berries, heck, even red wine.
Ms. O’Brien has written for Nutrition & Healing, Healthier Talk and a variety of other natural and alternative health outlets. She believes in the power of natural medicine and her goal is to open people’s eyes to the benefits of alternative and integrative medicine.
Christine is passionate about helping people help themselves without having to turn to harsh drugs or invasive surgeries.
Latest posts by Christine O'Brien (see all)
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