7 Foods that Can Fight Alzheimer’s & Dementia Naturally

It is predicted that, by 2030, 20 per cent of people over 65 will have dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), the first symptoms of which are depression, confusion and forgetfulness. Dementia is not a disease but a general term that describes the loss of brain function. There are many types of dementia, but Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, affecting more than 35 million people worldwide.

Dementia is progressive, and it begins when brain cells are damaged. Once the cells can’t communicate with one another, the body can’t function properly. Proper nutrition is important to keep the body strong and healthy. For a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia, poor nutrition may increase behavioral symptoms.

7 Foods that Can Fight Alzheimer’s & Dementia Naturally!

Turmeric

A study found that curcumin in turmeric is an effective substance that removes plagues from the brain. Plaques in the brain are thought to contribute to the degradation of brain cells and lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

Extra virgin olive oil

It contains a substance called oleocanthal that helps boost the production of key proteins and enzymes that help break down the amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Berries and cherries

These fruits contain anthocyanin that protects the brain from further damage caused by free radicals. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and contain antioxidants and lots of vitamin C and E.

Spinach

Spinach is rich in the antioxidant lutein, which is thought to help protect against cognitive decline. According to study in Australia that involved over 200 women, eating foods rich in vitamin B6 and folate (both found in spinach) can help in improving your short-term memory and mental abilities.

Broccoli

Broccoli contains two nutrients that can help to improve brain function. Vitamin K, which helps to strengthen cognitive abilities, and Choline, which has been found to improve memory. It also includes a sizeable serving of folic acid, which can help ward off Alzheimer’s disease.

Walnuts

Walnuts are chock-full of heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory nutrients, and are the only good nut source of alpha linolenic acid (ALA). hat means they help promote blood flow, which in turn allows for efficient delivery of oxygen to the brain.

Wild Salmon

According to study consuming an average of three servings of oily fish a week had almost 50 percent lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Sources:

– http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7613/10-foods-that-prevent-dementia-alzheimers.html

– http://www.alzheimers.net/2013-10-15/superfoods-that-fight-alzheimers/

– http://www.readersdigest.ca/food/healthy-food/6-foods-help-prevent-alzheimers/

– https://foodrevolution.org/blog/10-foods-prevent-dementia-alzheimers/

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7 Foods that Can Fight Alzheimer’s & Dementia Naturally

Turmeric-Carrot-Black Pepper Soup Fights, Alzheimer’s, Inflammation & Cancer

Turmeric contains active compounds with powerful medicinal properties and these compounds are called curcuminoids, the most important of which is Curcumin. One study found that when even 2g of curcumin was ingested, its serum levels were very low. However, when 20mg piperine compound found in black pepper was added to curcumin the bioavailability increased by 2000%. Curcumin provides high levels of antioxidant protection – 13 times higher than Blueberries.

It offer numerous health benefits since they are powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial agents.

Turmeric May Help Combat Alzheimer’s Disease and Inflammatory Conditions

Curcumin is capable of crossing your blood-brain barrier, which is one factor that has led researchers to investigate its potential as a neuroprotective agent for neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

Another common condition that can benefit from curcumin’s anti-inflammatory activity is osteoarthritis. Research16 published in 2011 found that patients who added 200 mg of curcumin a day to their treatment plan had reduced pain and increased mobility.

Curcumin is non-toxic, and does not adversely affect healthy cells, suggesting it selectively targets cancer cells.

Turmeric-Carrot-Black Pepper Soup Recipe

Moroccan Carrot Soup

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons turmeric
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon allspice
1 cup chopped organic yellow onion
1 pound large organic carrots, cut in ½- inch dice (about 2 ⅔ cups)
2 1/2 cups low-sodium organic chicken stock or vegetable stock
2 minced garlic cloves (or more to taste)
Salt and fresh cracked black pepper (to taste)
1/2 cup sour cream, crème fraishe, or plain yogurt, optional for garnish

Preparation:

Melt butter in a large sauce pan over medium-high heat and add onion; saute for 2 minutes.
Mix in carrots and broth. Bring to boil.
Reduce heat, cover and simmer until carrots are very tender, about 20 minutes.
Stir cumin seeds in a small skillet over medium-high heat until fragrant, about 4 – 5 minutes.
Finely grind in a spice mill and remove soup from heat. Puree in batches in a blender until smooth.
Return to sauce pan. Whisk in honey, lemon juice and allspice.
Season with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into bowl.
Sprinkle with toasted cumin, or mix cumin and sour cream in a small bowl and dollop on top.
Serve.

Sources:

– http://www.foodista.com/blog/2012/03/29/must-try-spicy-moroccan-carrot-soup

– http://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/balanced-living/turmeric-tea-benefits/

– https://draxe.com/turmeric-benefits/

– http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/turmeric-carrot-black-pepper-soup-fights-inflammation-cancer.html?t=HHL

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Turmeric-Carrot-Black Pepper Soup Fights, Alzheimer’s, Inflammation & Cancer