Brain diseases are horrible, especially alzheimer’s. It not only robs you of your precious memories and eventually your ability to function at all, but it also wreaks havoc on family and friends. If you’ve ever experienced this, you’ll definitely want to learn everything you can on how to reduce your risk of alzheimer’s disease.
Science is progressing with respect to cures, but so far there is no definite treatment. There are, however, many natural remedies that are quite promising. And one of these is apples. That’s right! As it turns out, your grandmother’s warning to eat an apple a day may have been more on point than once thought.
In fact, new studies show that drinking apple juice just three times a week can help reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease and heart problems.
The Science Behind Apples
Apples are full of antioxidants that are known protect your brain cells against oxidative stress, a damaging process linked to Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Related: 9 Key Lifestyle Changes for Preventing Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Researchers from Cornell University in New York state, “On the basis of serving size, fresh apples have some of the highest levels of [the antioxidant] quercetin when compared to other fruits and vegetables and may be among the best food choices for fighting Alzheimer’s.” (1)
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell also showed the amazing effects of apple juice on Alzheimer’s disease. Their study found that apple juice consumption is linked to a lower production of beta-amyloid plaque, also called “senile plaque,” which is commonly found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. (2)
According to the lead researcher, Dr. Thomas B. Shea, apple juice may prevent the decline of a specific neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine, which, like other neurotransmitters, transmits messages to nerve cells and is crucial for good memory and proper brain health.
Other studies show that people with Alzheimer’s, and where acetylcholine is increased in the brain, Alzheimer’s is slowed. (3)
In a 2006 study, 21 people with Alzheimer’s, who were between the ages of 72-93, were given 4 ounces of apple juice twice a day for one month. Results showed that drinking apple juice just three times a week, could reduce risk of Alzheimer’s by an incredible 75 percent. (4)
How To Reduce Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease And Remedy It
While apples can definitely help prevent alzheimer’s, when the memory loss and confusion has already set in, natural doctors and nutritionists suggest a more powerful combination on top of the apples to combat the deterioration caused by this disease.