Diets Rich in Fruits, Veggies Could Lower Your Odds for Alzheimer's

A study in Neurology suggests diets high in flavonol antioxidants could lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease, according to U.S. News & World Report . Flavonols are present in many fruits and vegetables, with green vegetables, apples, and tea especially flavonol-rich. The researchers followed 921 older adults — average age 81 — for six years, and the 20 percent who consumed the most flavonols were 48 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's than the 20 percent with the lowest intake. The researchers also noted that people with a high flavonol intake were more educated and more likely to exercise, but this did not explain their reduced risk for Alzheimer's. Although this does not prove that flavonols are a cure for dementia, it adds credibility to the idea that a diet with abundant fruits and vegetables may help protect the aging brain.