Tools For Brain Health Are In Your Kitchen
Food can be one of the most effective weapons in the battle against Alzheimer's disease, University of Arizona College of Medicine professor Marwan Sabbagh, M.D., recently told an audience at Windsor Park, a faith-based, not-for-profit continuing care retirement community administered by Covenant Retirement Communities. This is good news for people of all ages. Dr. Sabbagh explained that neurodegeneration begins 25 years before symptoms appear.
A researcher, educator and practicing physician, Dr. Sabbagh is director of research at Banner Sun Health Research Institute, one of the world's most prominent Alzheimer's disease research institutions. He co-authored "The Alzheimer's Prevention Cookbook" and was in Carol Stream to conduct an educational seminar entitled "Tools for Brain Healthy are in Your Kitchen," for senior adults at Windsor Park.
"According to the Alzheimer's Association, one in 10 Americans 65 and older has Alzheimer's disease," says Karen Larson, executive director at Windsor Park "While we can't change some risk factors, mainly age and heredity, we can change others. Dr. Sabbagh explained how simple, yet beneficial changes in our diet help could help prevent Alzheimer's and improve our memory."
Although there is still no cure for the Alzheimer's disease, Dr. Sabbagh explained that research has shown that consuming specific foods that are high in specific nutrients can lower the risk of cognitive decline. He noted that foods that contain thiamine, pyridoxine, folic acid or cyanocobalamin can help fight brain diseases.
Dr. Sabbagh provided tips on easy ways to adopt a brain healthy diet. They include:
• Reduce the intake of food high in fat and cholesterol.
• Consume a diet rich in dark vegetables and fruits.
• Include herbs, fruits and vegetables with high Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity scores.
• Eat fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Follow the guidelines of a Mediterranean diet.
"Brain health begins in the kitchen," states Sabbagh. "Incorporating the correct fruits, vegetables and spices, such as cloves or rosemary, into your meals and making small changes to your diet can have a dramatic affect on your memory and brain health."
Dr. Sabbagh noted that a nutrient like resveratrol can be found in unexpected foods and is available as a supplement. A naturally occurring phytoalexin found in red wine, resveratrol has been shown to have anti-cancer, anti-aging and life-prolonging effects. Recent research published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry shows that it also has the power to enhance memory and slow the progression of Alzheimer's.