Eat plenty of folic acid to help cut in halve the risk of Alzheimer’s disease according to a recent study conducted by the U.S. National Institute on Aging.  Folic acid is found in:

•    Oranges
•    Lemons
•    Green vegetables

The U.S. National Institute on Aging experts studied adults over a period of seven years and found that those who ate the daily recommended allowance of folates (B vitamin nutrients) had a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.  The study is published in the “Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.”

Folic acid is also beneficial for:

•    Reducing birth defects
•    Warding off heart disease
•    Warding off strokes
•    Helps modify levels of homocysteine, an amino acid found in the blood

Previous studies linked high levels of homocysteine to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Doctors analyzed information on the diets of 579 people 60 years old or over from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging to identify the relationship between dietary factors and Alzheimer’s disease risk.  These participants were not showing signs of dementia when the study began.

Participants provided:

•    Detailed diaries documenting eating habits
•    Supplement intakes and calorie amounts for typical seven-day periods

Researchers examined:

•    Amounts of nutrients including vitamins E, C, B6 B12, Carotenids and folic acid in people’s diets

How many of the original participants developed Alzheimer’s disease?

•    57 of the original participants

Researchers found:

•    Participants who consumed at least the recommended daily amount of 400 micrograms of folic acid had a 55% risk of going on to develop Alzheimer’s as compared to those consuming under that amount.
•    Most of the above mentioned were taking folic acid supplements and perhaps not consuming sufficient quantities of the nutrient in their diet
•    There was no link between taking vitamin C, carotenoids, like beta-carotene, or vitamin B-12 and decreased Alzheimer’s risk

Dr. Maria Corrada, led the research.  She said, “Although folates appear to be more beneficial than other nutrients, the primary message should be that overall healthy diets seem to have an impact on limiting Alzheimer’s disease risk.”  Dr. Claudia Kawas also worked on the research and said:  “it is still possible that other unmeasured factors also may be responsible for this reduction in risk.”

Source:  The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine

Disclaimer:  These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care professional.   



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