The Fight Against Neurodegenerative Diseases
The Question
Neurons are the physiological infrastructure that allow for the motor and sensory pathways throughout your body to function. They are what transmit signals across your nervous system to enable daily functions you may take for granted. Neurodegenerative disease occur when these neurons become damaged or destroyed, leading to impaired movement and cognitive functioning for example. The manifestation of these consequences are seen in the broad category of dementias, which can be further classified into diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The question being, do some fruits possess chemicals and nutrients that can suspend the momentum of these progressively debilitating and self-destructing diseases?
The Fruits
Blueberries are already praised for their uncanny ability to combat the destructive ways of cancer and heart disease through inhibition of LDL oxidation. To add to their already revered repertoire, there has been research pointing to their mental health advantages as well. This cognitive benefit resides in their possession of flavonoids. Flavonoids, known for their anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties, are metabolites found in certain fruits and plants that provide humans with large volumes of antioxidants. "Krikorian and colleagues at University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center found that adults who had displayed signs of dementia experienced not only increased brain activity after blueberry ingestion, but also improved memory capability" (1). Be sure to include blueberries into your morning shake.
One of the most delicious breakfast drinks, orange juice, also may become your new best friend. Oranges due to their antioxidant presence and copious amounts of vitamin C have been shown to be fierce combatants of Alzheimer's. The specific antioxidant being a similar class of flavonoid as seen in blueberries known for its ability to neutralize dangerous free radicals that come about as byproducts of chemical reactions. The difference between the fruits? Scientists suspect that the potent combination of antioxidants and vitamin C create an elite combination that leads to the following conclusion: "those who drank juice more than three times a week were 76% less likely to develop Alzheimer's" (2). Blueberry and orange smoothie anyone?
One of the most interesting facts about flavonoids besides their seemingly-magical health benefits reside in their innate purpose. Polyphenols are a class of biochemical molecules that plants utilize as quasi-defense mechanisms from predators looking for their next meal and damaging radiation during cellular pathways such as photosynthesis. Flavonoids are simply put, a subgroup encompassed by the umbrella category of polyphenols. Apples, whether in the form of juice or whole fruit can contribute large amounts of these flavonoids to your diet while also providing the magnificent health benefits of reduced likelihood of dementia and Alzheimer's.
Conclusion
Thanks for the read!
Have other fruits you want to contribute? Comment below! I would love to hear your thoughts.
Alexi Papakyriacou
The information provided is derived from an objective basis. However, all application is subjective. In other words, nothing detailed in this blog is to be considered a wonder-drug or perfectly efficient. Do what is bets for your own body and consult your doctor with any health concerns.
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