| Fruits and vegetables are gaining momentum for top | | | | intake. |
| food choices in a healthy diet and with good reason. | | | | However, in a study by Rush University Medical |
| Many recent studies are revealing a link between | | | | Center (Neurology, 2006) a higher intake of vegetables |
| these nutritional powerhouses and a reduction in | | | | but not fruit revealed a reduced risk for cognitive |
| cognitive decline and risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). | | | | decline. Those individuals who ate 2.8 servings or more |
| From rat studies to research with humans the results | | | | of vegetables had approximately a 40 percent slower |
| are encouraging. Researchers believe the main | | | | rate of cognitive decline than those with one serving or |
| benefits are derived from antioxidants. | | | | less. |
| An important study by Tufts University (2000) with | | | | In yet another study, apples were determined to |
| rats demonstrated that age-related changes with | | | | contain a potent compound that protects brain cells |
| respect to memory could be reversed with nutritional | | | | from oxidative stress such as is found with |
| intervention. Older rats were fed reasonable amounts | | | | Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative disorders |
| of blueberries, strawberries or spinach. The rats | | | | (Cornell University 2004). The researcher for this study, |
| consuming these foods, which have high levels of | | | | Dr. C.Y. Lee believes the antioxidant quercitin may be |
| antioxidants, did better on memory tests than those | | | | responsible. It would seem that eating an apple a day |
| rats fed a regular rat chow. | | | | is indeed advantageous! |
| More recent studies with humans have shown a | | | | There have also been a number of recent studies to |
| positive relationship between fruit and vegetable | | | | determine if there is a link between folic acid and the |
| consumption and a reduced risk for both cognitive | | | | development of AD. These study results have been |
| decline and AD (Journal of the American Medical | | | | mixed. A few studies have revealed a positive |
| Association 2002). In 2005, a study by Columbia | | | | relationship between folic acid in fruits, vegetables, and |
| University found a link between the Mediterranean diet | | | | supplements and reduced risk. Another study did not. |
| and reduced risk for AD. The Mediterranean diet is not | | | | Citrus fruits and juices and dark green leafy |
| a single diet but a reflection of the food habits of the | | | | vegetables are good sources of folic acid. (Beans, |
| people living in 16 countries bordering the Mediterranean | | | | legumes, whole grains, poultry, pork, and shellfish are |
| Sea. These cuisines are generally high in fruits and | | | | also good sources.) |
| vegetables. | | | | These studies provide hope that the risk of developing |
| A Cache County Study on Memory, Health, and Aging | | | | Alzheimer's and other related cognitive changes might |
| at Utah State University (2006) with 5,000 Seniors, | | | | be reduced with a healthy diet. Antioxidant rich foods, |
| looked at eating habits and risk for Alzheimer's. Those | | | | especially fruits and vegetables, seem to be leading |
| with the highest intake of fruits and vegetables scored | | | | the way. The key may be to eat a healthy diet as |
| better on a memory test than those with the lowest | | | | early in life as possible. But it is never too late to start! |