By Ellie Kuykendall How important is diet when it comes to predicting Alzheimer's disease? Children who are not properly nourished are more likely to contract the disease, as are adults who eat diets high in fat. Vegetarians are the least likely group to get Alzheimer's disease. What's your diet quotient? A study done in Sweden in 2004 showed that middle-aged people with high cholesterol and/or high blood pressure, and obese people have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's. What can you do? Eat broccoli. Snack on carrots. Stop going out for fast food (unless you buy a salad with a no-calorie dressing). In short, eat right to live longer and to help prevent Alzheimer's from developing. Eating vegetables improves people's minds. How many servings of vegetables should you eat? Eight servings of cruciferous vegetables a week. What's included? Argula, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Collard Greens, Daikon, Kale, Kohlrabi, Mustard Greens, Radishes, Rutabaga, Spinach, Turnip Greens, and Turnips. Here are some other tips for people who have Alzheimer's or people who want to avoid getting it. - Eat an apple a day.
- Drink green or black tea instead of coffee.
- Eat at least two servings of fish a week (salmon, sardines, herring).
- Snack on berries.
- Drink a cup of hot chocolate made from scratch.
- Drink soy milk and eat tofu.
- Have a spinach salad, but leave off the bacon and egg.
- Drink Concord grape juice or have a glass of red wine.
- Eat brown rice instead of white rice.
- Munch on nuts (almonds and walnuts especially).
- Use olive oil.
- Eat more garlic – fresh is best.
All of the above foods have tremendous amounts of various antioxidants and other ingredients to help improve memory, prevent Alzheimer's and other diseases, and keep your body and mind in tip-top shape. Here are links to sites that have more information about diet and Alzheimer's. Psychology Today – articles about diet and Alzheimer's Alzheimer's Disease, Information and Referral Center (type diet in the search box) Alzheimer's Association Alzheimer's Info Site | 