If you’re not already eating Brussels sprouts and walnuts, now may be a great time to a start. Researchers believe that the vitamin A and antioxidants contained in these foods may fend off the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
The Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease
Every 66 seconds, someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimer’s disease. It’s the most common form of dementia and currently affects more than 5.4 million Americans, typically those who are over the age of 65. The Alzheimer’s Association says the disease is frequently characterized by loss of memory, changes in behavior and reduced ability to complete daily tasks.
When someone you love has Alzheimer’s, it can feel like they are slowly fading away or losing their personality. The disease can have an enormous impact on families and caregivers — both financially and emotionally. Here are some of the early symptoms of the condition:
- Memory loss
- Mood changes
- Poor judgement
- Misplacing items
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Reduced problem-solving ability
- Irritability, depression or paranoia
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Trouble with vision and spatial relationships
- Struggles with vocabulary and keeping a conversation going
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease with no known cure, but research has indicated a clear connection between lifestyle, diet and neurological function.
Brussels Sprouts and the Brain
Researchers have already explored the relationship between supplementation and Alzheimer’s disease, with positive results. In several studies, researchers have found that vitamin C, vitamin E and antioxidants can reduce the chance of developing the disease. And if you already have it, the right foods and lifestyle can slow the progress of cognitive decline.
Inspired by the rich vitamin content of Brussels sprouts and its effects on the brain, researchers at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland are creating a “supercharged” version of vitamin A. Scientists hope that the synthetic substance will treat a number of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s. If all goes well, human trials will begin in two years.
Here’s how it works: When you eat foods containing vitamin A — like Brussels sprouts — it is converted into retinoic acid by the body. It then interacts with receptors in the brain and works with the central nervous system. Researchers believe retinoic acid boosts the number of neurons and the connections between them, positively affecting neurological and psychiatric issues.
“When we eat brussel sprouts, it increases the amount of this acid in the brain,” said Professor Peter McCaffery of the University of Aberdeen to the Evening Times. “We are basically trying to create a massively amplified version of what vitamin A already does for the body.
Walnuts Also Protect Brain Health
Brussel sprouts and other vitamin A-rich foods may not be the only answer. Recently an international team of researchers in India made a link between eating a handful of walnuts a day and slowing the progress of Alzheimer’s disease. The group found that the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of walnuts may also help prevent new cases of Alzheimer’s from developing in healthy individuals.
In a prior study, researchers found that walnut extract provides protective effects against oxidative stress and cell death. More specifically, walnuts inhibited amyloid-beta fibrillization, a beta-induced oxidative stress which causes damage to the brain. In this most recent study, researchers discovered that walnuts provided to mice had beneficial effects on memory, learning skills and even anxiety.
Dr. Abha Chauhan, head of the Developmental Neuroscience Laboratory at New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, said the preliminary findings look promising. “Oxidative damage and inflammation are two prominent features in the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease and many other neurodegenerative diseases,” he told the Hindustan Times. “Walnuts are very rich in anti-inflammatory components and antioxidants.”
To get the brain-boosting benefits of walnuts, try to eat a handful or a 1/4 cup every day. That’s the amount of walnuts that researchers used to find positive results in their study.
Eating Well to Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
It can be heartbreaking to watch someone you love forget important memories or how to do things on their own — but there is hope. One way to reduce the risk of dementia and slow its progress is by eating foods that ease oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. The Alzheimer’s Society recommends the Mediterranean diet, full of fruits, vegetables and lean meats. Here are some other recommended foods to try:
- Olive oil: polyphenols improve learning and memory
- Coconut oil: ketones provide an energy source for brain cells
- Salmon: omega-3 fatty acids reduce risk of age-related cognitive decline
- Turmeric: curcumin provides anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body
- Beans: protein and fiber help to keep your mind sharp when eaten every other day
- Nuts and berries: healthy fats and antioxidants help protect the brain, according to the MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay)
- Carrots, spinach, broccoli, collards, tomatoes, sprouts: all rich in vitamin A, which the body converts into retinoic acid
If you’re trying to protect brain health, there are some food items you should avoid. These include fast food, processed food, white flour, refined sugar, cheese, butter and red meat. In excessive amounts, these foods increase inflammation, oxidative stress and cell death in the body — the sworn enemies of dementia.
Remember: proactivity is always better than reactivity. Once dangerous diseases take hold, it can be difficult (if not impossible) to reverse them. It’s important to do whatever you can to make sure you’re sufficiently nourished with whole, unprocessed, nutrient-dense foods. Eat well — your body and mind will thank you for it, now and into the future.
