Can anti-oxidant foods prevent Dementia ?
Anti-oxidant has become a little of a buzz-word now. So what does it mean and what do they do, and can anti-oxidant foods prevent dementia ?
Anti-Oxidant means an enzyme or other organic substance, as vitamin E or beta carotene, that is capable of counteracting the damaging effects of oxidation in animal tissues.
Oxidation is the process by which electrons are destroyed which in turn may cause illness and ageing.
Anti- Oxidants may slow the ageing process and be instrumental in illness prevention and anyway we all need to eat a better diet packed with more nutrients and vitamins.
The top ten fruits for a great supply of anti-oxidants include
- 1. Prunes
- 2. Raisins
- 3. Blueberries
- 4. Blackberries
- 5. Strawberries
- 6. Raspberries
- 7. Plums
- 8. Oranges
- 9. Red grapes
- 10. Cherries
The top ten vegetables include
- 1. Kale
- 2. Spinach
- 3. Brussels sprouts
- 4. Alfalfa sprouts
- 5. Broccoli flowers
- 6. Beets
- 7. Red peppers
- 8. Onions
- 9. Sweetcorn
- 10. Eggplant/aubergine
For anyone elderly who is taking warfarin many of these foods sadly need to be eaten in moderation due to the high levels of vitamin K they contain which is responsible for blood clotting.
Recent Research has shown little evidence however that a diet rich in anti-oxidants is actually able to prevent dementia or stroke risks.
