Essential micronutrients absent in Alzheimer's-affected brains identified
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5 Powerful Nutrients Missing in Alzheimer's Brains: A Hidden Protector
As the number of Alzheimer's cases skyrockets, scientists are scrabbling for solutions to halt this dreadful disease. While new drugs like lecanemab offer some hope, they come with a hefty dose of risks. One area showing significant promise is nutrition. Over the past decade, several nutrients have entered the spotlight as heroes for brain health.
But, in an intriguing twist, a team of researchers recently looked at this issue from a fresh angle. They discovered that Alzheimer's brains miss out on critical levels of five nutrients essential for maintaining a healthy brain at any age. Let's dive into these heroic unsung nutrients...
Lutein's Multifaceted Brain Fortress
Long treasured for its eye protection, lutein's fantastic benefits extend beyond the visual spectrum. This antioxidant has been linked with improved brain health and a decreased risk for dementia. You can find lutein in foods like egg yolks, spinach, kale, corn, orange peppers, squash, zucchinis, kiwis, and grapes.
Lycopene's Vibrant Health Benefits
The cherry on the health cake, lycopene is an antioxidant lurking within red-hued fruits and veggies such as tomatoes, watermelon, red oranges, pink grapefruits, apricots, and guavas. This antioxidant safeguards your cells against damage and has been linked with superior brain and heart health.
Alkalizing Greens for Acid Foes
Starting at birth, acid waste accumulates in your body, shifting your pH level from an ideal alkaline state to an acidic one. An acidic body creates an inviting environment for germs, a downer for your health. To offset this, peak organic alkalizing greens can help you maintain a balanced pH level.
Retinol's Anti-Aging Brain Armor
Usually found lurking in skincare products, retinol is a form of vitamin A with the power to protect your skin from the ravages of aging. But its antioxidant properties could be just as effective in staving off age-related cognitive impairment. You can find retinol in eggs, dairy products, oily fish, liver, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, mangoes, papaya, and apricots.
Vitamin E: The Brain Protector
Another antioxidant, vitamin E wages war on free radicals, boosts your immune function, and aids in preventing blood clots in your heart's arteries. It also protects the brain. Score vitamin E from plant-based oils, nuts, seeds, and fruits and veggies like sunflower and soybean oils, almonds, peanuts, spinach, pumpkin, asparagus, red bell peppers, avocados, and mangoes. Keep in mind that vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, so partner it with a fat source to aid absorption.
Zeaxanthin's Cognitive Shield
Often recognized for its role in safeguarding the eyes from sun damage, zeaxanthin's anti-inflammatory properties are also believed to protect the brain. You can find zeaxanthin in eggs, orange peppers, corn, grapes, mango, oranges, and goji berries.
By incorporating these potent nutrients into your diet, you could fortify your brain and lower your chances of Alzheimer's disease. As research continues, we may uncover even more ways these superheroes can bolster our brains and support overall wellness. Stay tuned!
- The research team found that Alzheimer's brains lack essential nutrients related to brain health, such as lutein, lycopene, alkalizing greens, retinol, and vitamin E.
- Lutein, found in foods like egg yolks and leafy greens, has been linked to improved brain health, a decreased risk of dementia, and eye protection.
- Vitamin E, an antioxidant present in plant-based oils, nuts, seeds, and certain fruits and vegetables, both protects the brain and fights off free radicals.
- The anti-inflammatory properties of zeaxanthin, found in fruits like mangoes and grapes, are believed to safeguard the brain beyond its role in eye protection.
- By focusing on incorporating these brain-boosting nutrients into their diet, individuals can potentially lower their chances of developing Alzheimer's disease, and further research may reveal even more benefits for overall wellness.
