Could an apple a day keep Alzheimer's away?
Photo illustration by Jennifer Meyers / The Citizen
Numerous scientific studies show that increasing one's intake of protective foods reduces the risk of neurological disorders.
Numerous scientific studies show that increasing one's intake of protective foods reduces the risk of neurological disorders.
The idea isn't as farfetched as one might think. Recent laboratory studies show that apples,
especially the skins, are high in antioxidants that greatly reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Brain-healthy food choices, along with other beneficial lifestyle habits, are the subject of a one-hour seminar called “Maintain Your Brain,” which is being presented this week in several area locations by the central New York chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.
The programs will take place at 2 p.m. today at the Mercy Health & Rehabilitation Center in Auburn, along with presentations at the Cato-Meridian Recreation Center Friday morning, and at Christ United Methodist Church in Moravia later that same afternoon.
“The Maintain Your Brain seminar is one that gives people, especially older citizens, tips on how to keep the brain and the rest of the body healthy - the two go hand in hand,” said Jared Paventi, spokesman for the central New York Alzheimer's Association chapter, from his Syracuse office.
Experts suggest that a brain-healthy diet also reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes, encourages good blood flow to the brain and is low in fat and cholesterol, he continued.
“Basically, any foods that are high in antioxidants are most important,” he said, adding that consuming a leaner diet helps reduce the amount of toxins in one's body.
Numerous scientific studies show that increasing one's intake of protective foods reduces the risk of neurological disorders.
Here are some examples:
€ Dark-skinned fruits and vegetables have the highest levels of naturally-occurring antioxidants. Green, leafy vegetables are best, like kale, spinach, sprouts, broccoli, beets and bell peppers. Fruits include raisins, prunes, various berries, apples and grapes.
€ Cold-water fish contain beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids. These include tuna, salmon, trout, mackerel and halibut.
€ Nuts are useful because they contain Vitamin E, also called tocopherol, which reduces the oxidative stress on the brain, a factor in the onset of Alzheimer's and other brain disorders. Some examples are almonds, pecans and walnuts.
“Since there's no actual ‘cure' for Alzheimer's, the best way to prevent its onset is to make healthy life choices, (which includes a healthy diet,)” Paventi said.
But how about them apples, you ask. Peter Gregg, spokesman for the New York Apple Association, which represents the state's 695 apple growers, said that laboratory studies speak for themselves.
“There's been some compelling research on the benefits of apple consumption, done by highly regarded laboratories,” he said.
A 2004 study published by Cornell University, for example, showed that apples contain quercetin, an antioxidant that is beneficial to the body in several ways.
In addition to being a natural antihistamine, the chemical can help reduce the occurrence of arthritis and prostate cancer.
In the study, quercetin was responsible for protecting rat brain cells when assaulted by oxidative stress.
Coming tomorrow
CIMVAC Ambulance to conduct Blood Pressure screenings
When: 10 a.m. to noon and 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: Cato-Meridian Recreation
Center's coat room, Route 370, Cato
Cost: Free
To learn more: Call the center at 626-6735
“The Positive Power of Humor” by comedian Yvonne Conte presented by Humana
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Auburn Public Theater, Genesee Street, downtown Auburn
Cost: Free
Special note: Handicap access is available by calling 253-1103
Programs brought to the Cayuga County community by Cayuga County Human
Services Coalition and the Elderly/Disabled Task Group.
especially the skins, are high in antioxidants that greatly reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Brain-healthy food choices, along with other beneficial lifestyle habits, are the subject of a one-hour seminar called “Maintain Your Brain,” which is being presented this week in several area locations by the central New York chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.
The programs will take place at 2 p.m. today at the Mercy Health & Rehabilitation Center in Auburn, along with presentations at the Cato-Meridian Recreation Center Friday morning, and at Christ United Methodist Church in Moravia later that same afternoon.
“The Maintain Your Brain seminar is one that gives people, especially older citizens, tips on how to keep the brain and the rest of the body healthy - the two go hand in hand,” said Jared Paventi, spokesman for the central New York Alzheimer's Association chapter, from his Syracuse office.
Experts suggest that a brain-healthy diet also reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes, encourages good blood flow to the brain and is low in fat and cholesterol, he continued.
“Basically, any foods that are high in antioxidants are most important,” he said, adding that consuming a leaner diet helps reduce the amount of toxins in one's body.
Numerous scientific studies show that increasing one's intake of protective foods reduces the risk of neurological disorders.
Here are some examples:
€ Dark-skinned fruits and vegetables have the highest levels of naturally-occurring antioxidants. Green, leafy vegetables are best, like kale, spinach, sprouts, broccoli, beets and bell peppers. Fruits include raisins, prunes, various berries, apples and grapes.
€ Cold-water fish contain beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids. These include tuna, salmon, trout, mackerel and halibut.
€ Nuts are useful because they contain Vitamin E, also called tocopherol, which reduces the oxidative stress on the brain, a factor in the onset of Alzheimer's and other brain disorders. Some examples are almonds, pecans and walnuts.
“Since there's no actual ‘cure' for Alzheimer's, the best way to prevent its onset is to make healthy life choices, (which includes a healthy diet,)” Paventi said.
But how about them apples, you ask. Peter Gregg, spokesman for the New York Apple Association, which represents the state's 695 apple growers, said that laboratory studies speak for themselves.
“There's been some compelling research on the benefits of apple consumption, done by highly regarded laboratories,” he said.
A 2004 study published by Cornell University, for example, showed that apples contain quercetin, an antioxidant that is beneficial to the body in several ways.
In addition to being a natural antihistamine, the chemical can help reduce the occurrence of arthritis and prostate cancer.
In the study, quercetin was responsible for protecting rat brain cells when assaulted by oxidative stress.
Coming tomorrow
CIMVAC Ambulance to conduct Blood Pressure screenings
When: 10 a.m. to noon and 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: Cato-Meridian Recreation
Center's coat room, Route 370, Cato
Cost: Free
To learn more: Call the center at 626-6735
“The Positive Power of Humor” by comedian Yvonne Conte presented by Humana
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Auburn Public Theater, Genesee Street, downtown Auburn
Cost: Free
Special note: Handicap access is available by calling 253-1103
Programs brought to the Cayuga County community by Cayuga County Human
Services Coalition and the Elderly/Disabled Task Group.
