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Apple juice
Brains that show serious cognitive degeneration are typically short on the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, a chemical that helps form memories and learn new things.
Apple juice can boost the production of acetylcholine in the brains of mice. It makes sense to stimulate nerve cells to produce more of the chemical, science writer Jean Carper says.
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Berries
Results from animal studies suggest munching on berries may delay the onset of degenerative cognitive disorders, according to neuroscientists from Tufts University in the USA. As Carper says, “compounds in berries actually get into your brain cells and accumulate there. They improve how neurons behave, how well they communicate, and [affect whether the cells] become inflamed and dysfunctional or rejuvenated, vital and alert.”
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Folic acid
Patients with cognitive degeneration typically show low levels of folic acid, says Carper.
A large study of people over 60 from the University of California in the US suggested that taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily more than halved participants’ risk of cognitive disease; and a Dutch study of 50 to 70-year-olds suggested that participants who took 800 micrograms daily for three years showed memories as healthy as those of people 5.4 years younger than them.
Vitamin watch
If you’re thinking about taking folic acid make sure you’re not low in vitamin B12. High folic acid and low B12 levels is a unhealthy combination that can actually harm the brain. A naturopath or healthcare professional will be able to best advise you.
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Fruit and veggies
In testing the hypothesis that a diet high in fruit and veggies protects the brain from cognitive decline, researchers suggested that fruit and veggie juices consumed three times a week may shield your grey matter. Diets high in fish oil and omega-3s are also protective, researchers say.
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Green tea
Japanese researchers analysing the green tea consumption of 1003 participants as part of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment reported that higher green tea intake was linked with a lower rates of cognitive impairment. Interestingly, this effect was more pronounced than that shown for black tea, oolong tea and coffee.
References available upon request