Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating degenerative neurological illness that affects memory and behavior. Researchers in Germany studied the blood levels of antioxidants in patients with Alzheimer’s and compared them to control levels in study participants without the illness. They found that while not all antioxidant levels were dramatically different, Vitamin C and beta carotene levels were substantially lower for the Alzheimer’s patients.
Importance of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are one of the most important chemical components of food. They are not produced by our own bodies, so eating foods rich in these vital nutrients can have a dramatic impact on health.
Antioxidants fight free radicals that are produced as cells naturally use oxygen and other chemicals in the body for energy. These waste products contribute to the development of cancer and other diseases. One of the illnesses attributed to accumulated free radicals is Alzheimer’s.
Eating foods high in antioxidants, such as carrots, spinach, Brussel sprouts, oranges, tomatoes, kale and others maintains these vital nutrients in your blood serum levels. Individuals who routinely eat a healthy diet of these fruits and vegetables frequently demonstrate better levels of health than those who do not.
Methods to Maintain Vital Nutrients
Although Vitamin C is not stored in the body, it is important to consume this vitamin regularly for optimal health. Vitamin C is found in many fruits, including oranges, lemons, grapefruit and pineapple. Consuming this vitamin daily is one of the best ways to maintain healthy blood levels.
Beta carotene is contained in brightly colored fruits and vegetables. Carrots, apricots and spinach all have extremely high levels of this important antioxidant. Look for produce that is bright orange, red, yellow or green as a clue to choosing fruits and vegetables rich in important beta carotenes.
Juice it!
One of the best ways to garner important nutritional content is through drinking fresh juice. Juicing produce yourself ensures that all of the potential nutrients are utilized. Commercially produced juices often are processed using pasteurization methods that destroy many vitamins and minerals. Additionally, many nutrients are lost quickly after juicing. As a result, juicing carrots, oranges and other fruits and vegetables yourself ensures that you can benefit from all of the nutrients present before they are lost.
Eating a diet rich in brightly colored whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean meats is one of the most effective ways to maintain health. Eliminating processed foods, foods that are high in refined sugar, including high fructose corn syrup and other byproducts is also important.
– The Alternative Daily
