Apple Juice May Delay Alzheimer's Disease
New Research Shows Promising Protective Benefits of Apples
Jan 24, 2009
Common folk wisdom of “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” seems to be true for reasons beyond keeping a body healthy. New research suggests that drinking the equivalent of two glasses of apple juice a day can delay the age related cognitive decline that leads to Alzheimer’s Disease.
New Research on Apple Juice and Alzheimer's
A study has been conducted by Thomas B. Shea, PhD, and his research team, of the Center for Cellular Neurobiology; Neurodegeneration Research, University of Massachusetts. The study, which demonstrates that there are steps that people can take to avoid related cognitive decline due to age, is published in the January, 2009 issue of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Researchers conducted a number of studies on laboratory mice that demonstrated that drinking apple juice helped the mice to perform better than normal in maze trials. They also found that apple juice prevented the normal decline in performance that goes along with aging.
The mice in the most recent study received the human equivalent of two glasses of apple juice every day for one month. Researchers found that the mice produced less of a protein fragment called “beta amyloid” that is responsible for forming “senile plaques”. The plaques are often found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Researcher Statement
Dr. Shea commented that "These findings provide further evidence linking nutritional and genetic risk factors for age-related neurodegeneration and suggest that regular consumption of apple juice can not only help to keep one's mind functioning at its best, but may also be able to delay key aspects of Alzheimer's disease and augment therapeutic approaches."
Diet May Help Prevent Alzheimer's
While scientists continue to research the possible effects of nutrition upon Alzheimer’s prevention, this study suggests that including apple juice in the daily diet would be worthwhile. Apple juice is relatively inexpensive and readily available in the grocery store. Apple juice is a healthy beverage that can accompany breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack.
Adding apple juice to a healthy diet is relatively simple to do and may yield big health benefits. Apples are rich in nutrients and compounds that can help to lower cholesterol and guard heart health.
The Alzheimer’s Association lists a number pf Alzheimer’s prevention tips on their website. Dietary recommendations that have been shown to have brain protective benefits include eating a diet that is low in fat, low in cholesterol, rich in antioxidants, includes dark skinned fruits and vegetables and Vitamins E, D, B-12, folate and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Resources:
Alzheimer's Association
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease: New study provides further evidence that apple juice can delay onset of Alzheimer's Disease. EurekAlert
Vitamin D and Cognitive Impairment Linked
Brain Healthy Foods May Delay Aging
Cranberries Long Term Urinary Health Benefits
 |
