Diseases that are associated with the deterioration of the motor and sensory functions of your nervous system are characterized as neurodegenerative disease, or simply, degenerative disease. According to the National Library of Medicine, neural degenerative diseases can result from a number of different causes including environmental factors, like virus or chemical exposure, or genetic inheritance. While there is typically no cure for degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, a properly balanced diet may help minimize or delay some of the severe complications.
Vitamin E-Rich Foods
Foods that are rich in vitamin E may help stave off the development of Alzheimer's disease, according to Rush University Medical Center. Vitamin E, which is actually a collective term for a group of eight different molecules called tocopherols, is a powerful antioxidant responsible for removing harmful chemicals, called oxidants, from the body. Some of the dietary sources that are rich in vitamin E include nuts and seeds like almonds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, peanuts and hazelnuts. Additionally, dark leafy greens like spinach and broccoli are also foods rich in vitamin E.
Walnuts
Walnuts are good sources of an important omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, which may be important in preserving neuronal communication and delaying degeneration. Similar to the effects of vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, like ALA, are potent antioxidants that protect the brain from harmful oxidants. Omega-3 fatty acids are different than the types of fats obtained from other dietary protein sources like meat and dairy products; they are healthy for both the brain and heart.
Green Tea
Diets rich in antioxidants may delay or prevent the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. According to a study published in the August 2008 issue of "Journal of Nutrition," antioxidants gained from green tea consumption may protect the brain from neurological degeneration resulting in dementia and memory loss. This study suggests that two cups of green tea per day significantly reduces cognitive impairment, which is the hallmark of neurodegenerative disease.
References
- National Library of Medicine: Degenerative Nerve Diseases
- Rush University Medical Center: Foods That May Help Prevent Alzheimer's Disease
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin E
- ScienceDaily.com: Diet Of Walnuts, Blueberries Improve Cognition; May Help Maintain Brain Function
- "Journal of Nutrition": Targeting Multiple Neurodegenerative Diseases Etiologies with Multimodal-Acting Green Tea Catechins
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