Alzheimer's disease and eating habits.

Researchers found that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables as well as omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The findings from researchers from Columbia University were published online in Archives of Neurology.
Analysis of data from more than 2,000 dementia-free adults ages 65 and older revealed that that the dietary pattern, characterized by eating more salads, nuts, tomatoes, fish, poultry, cruciferous vegetables, fruits, dark and green leafy vegetables and lesser quantities of red meat, organ meat, butter, and high-fat dairy products lowered the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This pattern of diet, also known as Mediterranean-style diet, has been shown to lower heart disease and diabetes. It has been also shown that heart disease independent of strokes increases Alzheimer’s disease. The current study is based on questionnaires filled out by participants and can’t suggest definite proof, but eating healthy certainly can’t be bad and has many proven ways of improving the brain. Here’s what you can do:
1. By eating green leafy vegetables, people consume large amount of folate, which can reduce homocysteine levels, improving atherosclerosis.
2. Vitamin E rich foods, with strong antioxidant effects, like nuts, seeds and vegetable oils are shown to prevent the cognitive decline.
3. A diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids has been shown to improve heart and brain function through multiple mechanisms.
4. Eating less meat and saturated fat certainly will decrease the inflammation and prevent the progression of atherosclerosis.
While scientists are debating whether there is definite correlation or link between diet and Alzheimer’s disease, it just makes sense to eat a Mediterranean-style diet, or a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish and poor in saturated fats, processed and fried foods. Farmers markets are opening everywhere and those are full of foods for brightening the brain.