An Apple a Day Could Help Keep Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s Away
A group of chemicals in apples could protect the brain from the type of damage that triggers such neurodegenerative diseases as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, according to two new studies from Cornell University food scientists.
The studies show that the chemical quercetin, a so-called phytonutrient, appears to be largely responsible for protecting brain cells when assaulted by oxidative stress in laboratory tests.
Phytonutrients, such as phenolic acids and flavanoids, work to protect apples against bacteria, viruses and fungi. They also provide the fruit’s anti-oxidant and anti-cancer benefits. Quercetin is a major flavanoid in apples. Antioxidants help prevent cancer by mopping up cell-damaging free radicals and inhibiting the production of reactive substances that could damage normal cells.
“The studies show that additional apple consumption not only may help reduce the risk of cancer, as previous studies have shown, but also that an apple a day may supply major bioactive compounds, which may play an important role in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disorders,” says Chang Y. “Cy” Lee, Cornell professor of food science at the university’s New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, N.Y.
The two studies build on Lee’s 2002 findings that quercetin has stronger anti-cancer activity than vitamin C, and his 2000 findings that phytochemicals in apples have stronger anti-oxidant protective effects than vitamin C against colon and liver cancer cells. Other studies have found that phytochemicals are associated with a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes, and that they fight not only cancer but also bacterial and viral infections. In addition, they are anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory.
The type of apples used in the study were Red Delicious, though all types of apple contain the key phytochemicals—they key is to eat them at least once a day. Or feed them to an aging parent who may be at risk for Alzheimers or Parkinson’s.
Although Lee stresses that his studies were conducted in the laboratory, not in clinical trials with humans, he has no hesitation in recommending more apples in the diet as well as other fresh fruits and vegetables. “Indeed, I have a reason to say an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
Other issues involving senior health can be found at http://www.boomer-books.com/health_page/healthpage.html
March 18th, 2005 at 8:31 am
I like your articles on aging. They’re very helpful—and interesting. Thanks for keeping us boomers informed!