TORONTO – Spinach among other antioxidant rich produce may be the key to staving off dementia, German researchers say in research that’s likely welcome news for Popeye.
Scientists from the University of Ulm say they’ve discovered a link between low vitamin C, beta-carotene levels and dementia.
Vegetables and fruits packed with antioxidants, such as spinach, carrots and apricots, may be key to fighting the onset of dementia, though.
Seventy-four people with mild Alzheimer’s disease, along with 158 healthy subjects were looked at in the study.
The participants were between the ages of 65 and 90. Along with examining differences between both groups, subjects had to undergo neuropsychological testing, blood tests and answer questions about their health and lifestyle.
Results showed that those with dementia had lower levels of antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene than their healthier counterparts.
The researchers, however, say that more studies need to be done to confirm these results.
Right now, over 500,000 Canadians have Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, according to the country’s Alzheimer’s society.
The organization estimates that by 2038, 1.1 million Canadians will have dementia.
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