Salad staple PREVENTS Alzheimer’s?

Many “promises” and “breakthroughs” around another potential cure for Alzheimer’s are circulating in the news.

In late November, there were headlines about a new Alzheimer’s drug called lecanemab. One story I read hailed it as a “momentous breakthrough.”

(It was through BBC News – you can look it up.)

But, I read past the glossy headline. And it wasn’t until paragraph 24 that the risks of the drug was even mentioned (yes, I counted)!

Risks like brain bleeds and swelling… and even a mention that 7% of study participants had to STOP taking the drug because of the side effects.

Again, check out the story yourself…

But in the meantime, I have something about potential Alzheimer’s prevention you WON’T see in the news…

About a salad staple that could very well help fight Alzheimer’s…

WITHOUT the side effects of a drug!

A study conducted by researchers from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies found that cucumbers can prevent memory loss linked to aging and Alzheimer’s disease.

Yep, these are the same cucumbers you grow in your vegetable garden! (And found in the aisles in your nearby grocery store.)

It’s no secret the cucumbers are good for you. To start, they are packed with water to keep you hydrated… fiber to keep you ‘regular’ … and are even loaded vitamins that help your vision, immune system, and your vital organs.

While this is all great…  you’re probably wondering what makes cucumbers so valuable for your brain?

See, cucumbers are loaded with a compound called fisetin. Lab and animal studies have found that daily doses of fisetin protects against memory loss while slowing and preventing cognitive impairments, including safeguarding precious memories.

But that’s not all…

This latest study around cucumbers also found that cognitive function improved, despite the continued formation of amyloid plaques – which are proteins linked to the development of Alzheimer’s.

Though, these findings are based on lab and animal studies, they are very promising. I’ll be sure to monitor when (and if) human studies are completed.

In the meantime, if you’re a fan of cucumbers… keep it going! They are a great topping for salads, and even as a healthy snack.

If Alzheimer’s runs in your family, be sure to have conversations with your doctor about the proper prevention plan that works best for you – and be sure to discuss those “breakthrough” drugs.

To being honest about Alzheimer’s,

Sarah Reagan

Sources:

Lidell, Rose. “Compound in cucumber found to improve memory and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.” https://www.food.news/2021-12-07-cucumber-component-improves-memory-prevents-alzheimers.html

BBC News. “Alzheimer’s drug lecanemab hailed as momentous breakthrough.” https://www.bbc.com/news/health-63749586