Illnesses of the brain caused by age such as Alzheimer's are disturbing, however there are many ways persons can stop the onset. The Journal of Nutrition, has just published a new study showing that luteolin which is found in assorted vegetables and herbs, decreases the inflammation in the brain that causes memory and cognitive dysfunction.
When an infection is first noticed, the immune responders in the brain and spinal cord (microglial cells) usually start to manufacture cytokines (signaling molecules) that create an inflammatory action to handle the problem. As persons age, the microglial cells begin to weaken in functioning which leads to a lot of cytokine manufacturing and related brain damage.
Professor Rodney Johnson, of animal sciences at the University of Illinois and writer for the study states that they previously discovered that during the normal aging process the microglial cells become impaired and start producing enormous levels of inflammatory cytokines. They believe this is what adds to the cognitive aging and is a influencing factor for degenerative disease to develop.
However, luteolin which is found in foods such as carrots, rosemary and olive oil, adequately make a natural anti-inflammatory reaction which halts erratic microglial cells from causing damage. Even when normal microglial functioning is occurring luteolin aides to guard cell neurons as well.
Dr. Johnson explains that the neurons live because the luteolin prevented the manufacturing of neurotoxic inflammatory mediators.
In the study researchers had compared two groups of mice, one group consumed luteolin. The older mice who consumed luteolin had better performance in learning and memory tests than did the other group who did not receive the luteolin. The mice who were fed the luteolin had cytokine levels comparable to a lot younger mice.
When luteolin was given in the diet of older mice, it had decreased brain inflammation and it also restored the working memory similar to those of the younger mice.
According to Dr. Johnson, past studies have shown that compounds from plants such as luteolin can get into the brain. The researchers believe that luteolin access the brain and stops or decreases stimulation of microglial cells along with the inflammatory cytokines in which the manufacture.
The information from this study advocates that a healthy diet does hold the possibility to decrease age related linked inflammation in the brain, which will produce better cognitive health.
Dietary Habits and Alzheimer's
Rush Institute for Healthy Aging, researchers Clare Morris, ScD and Dr. Denis Evans, conducted a survey of 6,000 persons unaffected by Alzheimer's disease in Chicago. Information had been collected on dietary habits. Then on a regular basis assessed a subgroup of signs of the disease. Their findings had revealed the following:
Foods in which are high in vitamin E were linked with decreasing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The foods had included salad dressing which was oil based, fortified cereals, leafy green vegetables, cantaloupe, seeds and nuts.
It was also discovered that those persons who had consumed fish at least one time each week had a 60% less chance of developing Alzheimer's disease. It is believed the main reasoning for this occurrence is the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in fish.
Based on the information collected researchers had formed a link between high intakes of saturated and trans unsaturated fats. This indicates that limiting fatty meats and total fat diary products such as butter, milk and vegetables shortening which is usually found in cookies and crackers.
Why does certain foods help Alzheimer's
Even though the exact reason why Alzheimer's occurs is still unknown, research shows that oxidation of the brain over a length of time does cause mental decline. Vitamin E which acting as an antioxidant just may halt the process. The n-3 fatty acids in fish share a chemical which is alike the substances located in the brains grey matter. The substances aide in sending signals to the brain which permit learning and memory storage. Bad fats are linked to high cholesterol levels which has been shown to be bad on the heart and brain.
Other foods which aide in Alzheimer's prevention
Dark Chocolate:
Researchers in Norway have discovered that flavonoids contained in cocoa increase the blood flow to the brain and can possibly guard against conditions with reduced cerebral blood flow like dementia. For the best benefits purchase chocolate with low sugar but at least 70% cocoa content.
Red Wine:
The same researchers also stated that moderate wine drinking does have a guarded effect on cognitive function. It also decreases the risks of Alzheimer's and dementia. This occurs due to the immense amounts of flavonoids and other probable polyphenolics such as resveratrol which is found in red wine.
Please note that drinking excessive alcohol can have an adverse effect that studies have shown could lead to dementia.
Clams:
Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Aging researchers discovered that elderly persons who have low levels of vitamin B12 have four times the greater risk of getting Alzheimer's. Shellfish are packed with vitamin B12.
Asparagus:
In 2008, a Korean study had discovered that persons who had foliate deficiency had three and half times more probability of developing dementia.
Walnuts:
Researchers of the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, advocate a moderate diet of walnuts to improve motor and cognitive skills.
The reasoning is walnuts contain high amounts of omega-6 and it is rich of linoleic acid which could lead to inflammatory compounds being developed and less anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats in the body when the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is out of sink.
Cherries:
Scientists have discovered cherries contain antioxidant compounds which contain anti-inflammatory properties that could act as pain medications.
Turmeric:
Plaque which is located in the brain is believed to add to the degrading of brain cells which lead to Alzheimer's disease. A study found that curcumin which is in turmeric is effective in the removal of plaque from the brain.
Apples:
Apples in which contain quercetin in their peels have been discovered to guard the brain against Alzheimer's disease.
A few other alternative foods in Alzheimer's prevention
For flavonoids to remember which foods contain high amounts just remember the higher the color the more flavonoids are present, such as cherries, green tea and red wine.
Other seafood that is rich in vitamin B12 are scallops, fish, shrimp, mussels, oysters, liver and most beef.
Folates can also be found in cauliflower, broccoli, beets, leafy green vegetables such as spinach.
Other helpful nuts include almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, peanuts, pistachio.
Other fruits besides cherries with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties include blueberries, raspberries and strawberries.
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