Can Carrots Help Prevent Dementia?

Dementia:

How can you ward off dementia as you get older? Carrots may be the answer ! Carrots contain beta-carotene which is broken down by the liver to become a form of vitamin A. A study just published reports that there is evidence to support the fact that men who took beta-carotene over a long period suffered fewer mental decline problems such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

These studies will have an impact on studying the prevention of mental diseases in the elderly. Studies conducted over several years indicate that betacarotene may play a significant role in reducing the effects of certain illnesses (such as heart disease, decreased immune function, cataracts, and forms of cancer) and, in certain cases, perhaps even prevent them.

Is beta- carotene contained in other foods besides carrots? Usually it is found in highly coloured fat soluble compounds normally present in many fruits and vegetables such as apricots, green peppers, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes and coriander. In addition, beta- carotene is converted to retinol which helps to maintain good vision.

A word of warning to smokers and heavy drinkers. They should not take beta-carotene supplements. There is evidence that the beta-carotene may actually increase their risk of getting cancer. Research shows that beta- carotene in supplement form increases rates of prostate cancer and lung cancer in smokers.

One of the most powerful antioxidants, beta-carotene can play a very valuable role in fighting the free radicals. It also helps in preventing cholesterol getting out of control. Discoloration of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet are tell-tale signs that the normal dose of beta-carotene has been exceeded.

You may want to try a few recipes to start including carrots and other beta-carotene foods in your diet. Smoothies are a great way to include them and are really easy. You can make a delicious minty carrot drink by blending the following ingredients :- 3 carrots, 1 apple, 1 stick of celery and some fresh mint.

Another favourite of mine is carrot and lentil soup, delicious and nutritious on cold winter days. You need cumin seeds, chilli flakes (just a pinch),vegetable stock, milk, carrots and lentils. You can prepare all these in a saucepan and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Then, into the blender for a really creamy soup. Serve with coriander which also contains beta-carotene and natural yogurt.

To sum up, beta-carotene can be only one element in a healthy balanced diet. You may want to consider including this very valuable substance in your diet from now on. It will not only help you ward off heart disease but will keep your mind active and alert for a long time, by staving off Alzheimer's Disease. One of the easiest ways is to include more soups and smoothies in your diet. Look below for the link to a great recipe book for smoothies.

Would you like to prevent mental decline? Try a new diet to include beta-carotene foods. Super Smoothie Recipes Visit the Wellness Bible For The Latest Health Tips


BookMark It, Share it with others.   Subscribe Dementia articles from HolPlus

Top 12 Health Topics:


Featured Topics

    What Really Happens When the Kugel Mesh Hernia Patch Allegedly Malfunctions?

    If you can take 3 minutes to read this article, you may find you may be entitled to a large cash settlement. Bard allegedly received ten complaints about Kugel Mesh ring breaks over a thre...

    Food Allergy Symptoms

    Food allergy symptoms can be quite uncommon. You might not believe this but only 1 out of 70 adults suffer from true food allergies. Food poisoning or even food intolerance is sometimes mistaken for a...

    Simple Sciatica Exercises

    Sciatica exercises come in many different forms, but the last thing you need when you're in pain is to have to learn a complicated exercise routine. But using exercise to alleviate sciatica doesn't ha...

    Higher risk coronary artery disease among the south Asians.

    Here are the statistics that support that there is a high risk among south Asians for the coronary heart disease. CAD Statistics: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a Global Epidemic among South Asians ...

    Fatty Liver

    What Is Fatty Liver? Fatty liver is a reversible condition seen in chronic alcoholism and other conditions, where large vacuoles of lipid accumulate in hepatocytes that are liver cells. Accumulation o...

    Diabetes Natural Treatment - How to Fight Diabetes Naturally

    Alarming but true, diabetes mellitus which is more commonly known as diabetes is now the 5th leading cause of death in the United States. The good news is diabetes natural treatments that work are ava...

    How Menopause Can Effect Your Appetite

    Menopause is a condition that all women face. It is a normal part of nature's cycle and is something that is inescapable. Most women experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. The ovaries sto...

    Diabetic Diet? Are You Sick of Being Fed Like a Lab Rat? A Better Way. Take the Test.

    So your goal is to reverse degenerative diseases like Diabetes, Atherosclerosis, Neuropathy, High Blood pressure and on. We all know three secret legs of this process include: Exercise-Everyone's leas...

    Dealing With A Wheat Allergy

    Foods that contain wheat are everywhere after all they are a staple in the American diet. But both the protein and the gluten in the wheat are a common allergen. Dealing with a wheat allergy can be fr...

    Relieving Headache The Natural Way

    Migraine headaches affect about 15 percent of the population. Although men can actually suffer from migraines, it is the women that are more affected. Experts believe that migraine is hereditary as re...

HolPlus Channels:

Holplus Health Shortcuts - Disease & Conditions: Causes | Symptoms | Prevention | Diagnosis | Relief | Treatments | Cure

Disease & Conditions A-Z: A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | R | S | T | U-Z
Disease Blog A-Z: A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A-Z Health Guides: Alternative A-Z | Beauty A-Z | Disease & Conditions A-Z | Fitness A-Z | Health A-Z | Home Life A-Z | Medicine A-Z | Remedies A-Z | Disease Therapy A-Z
Holplus Resource: Health Topics | Articles | Encyclopedia | Glossaries | Directories | Archives | Rss Channel | Blog | China Health Online | 365 Health Online | InfoDaily