New research says omega-3s fight off Alzheimer's disease

On February 15, scientists announced that the best way to fend off Alzheimer's disease is through a diet high in omega-3 oils and low in cholesterol.

Researchers from Tel Aviv University's Department of Neurobiology are "exhilarated" by a discovery that a healthy diet low in cholesterol and high in omega-3 oils significantly reduced the negative effects of one of the genes associated with Alzheimer's. The results of the study will be presented at an international conference in Barcelona, Spain, this March.

In other research, it's been found that large daily doses of B vitamins could delay - or even halt - the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that supplementing the diet with vitamin B could halve the rate of brain shrinkage in elderly people with warning signs of the disease.

What can you put on your plate to help your brain? Health news website MyHealthNewsDaily.com reports on six foods, high in compounds such as antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, that can boost your brain power.

1. Walnuts - They look like little brains and are packed with antioxidants, which researchers claim may combat the damage to brain cells' DNA caused by free radicals in our bodies. A 2009 rat study also found that diets made up of as little as two percent nuts reversed signs of aging.

2. Carrots - They're not only good for your eyes but good for your brain. They contain high levels of a compound known as luteolin. A recent study published in the journal Nutrition found that luteolin reduces age-related memory deficits and inflammation in the brain. Other good sources: olive oil, peppers, and celery.

3. Berries - In a 2009 report in the Journal of Nutrition, researchers examined a group of studies that showed fruits such as blueberries and strawberries can decrease a type of stress in cells associated with aging and increase the signaling capabilities in brains.

4. Fish - Some studies have shown that eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids could help slow typical cognitive decline that comes with age. The report cites a 2005 study that found that people 65 and older who ate two meals of fish a week for six years had 13 percent less cognitive decline, compared with people who didn't eat any fish regularly.

5. Coffee and tea -  Caffeinated teas and coffees not only perk you up, but studies have shown they may prevent Alzheimer's disease and improve cognitive function. In addition, according to a 2010 study, tea drinkers did better on tests of memory and information processing than non-tea drinkers did.

6. Spinach - It's loaded with vitamins C and E that help to improve cognitive abilities, according to the latest research. A 2000 study found that aging rats had some of their age-related memory and motor deficits reversed after eating a diet rich in spinach, strawberries, and blueberries.

Read more: http://www.myhealthnewsdaily.com/best-foods-brain-health-0975/