15 hours Ago By Katie-Ann Gupwell
We're all aware that a balanced diet is key to maintaining our health , but it could have more benefits than we realize. Not only does it keep us physically fit, but it can also have significant effects on our mental wellbeing. Neuroscientist Dr Robert Love has revealed that incorporating a common food into your daily meals could potentially lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease .
In a recent video, he discussed why current research suggests this simple dietary change could be beneficial for your health. He referenced a study conducted by Dr Lei Feng and his team, which found that individuals who consume mushrooms at least three times a week experienced a "significant reduction" in their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study even suggested that this habit could decrease the risk by as much as 40%.
Dr Love explained: "That is huge. Now, people are asking 'what kind of mushrooms?' Now the research did not specify, so that means pretty much most mushrooms. If not, all edible mushrooms.
"Edible mushrooms are great for your brain. My favorite edible mushroom for the brain is something called lion's mane. Lion's mane is a mushroom that's great for memory, it reduces stress and anxiety, it improves mood, it's good for your gut bacteria and it even helps improve sleep.
" Dr Love emphasized that all types of mushrooms are beneficial for brain health, and he recommended a few others as well. While he admitted that white mushrooms are the "least beneficial", he still encourages everyone to incorporate this food into their diet as much as possible. Although there's no foolproof diet against Alzheimer's, a study suggests that mushrooms could play a role in risk reduction.
A 2019 study by experts at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore (NUS) found that elderly people consuming upwards of two standard portions of mushrooms weekly may cut their chances of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by half. For clarity, a single portion amounts to about three-quarters of a cup of cooked mushrooms, averaging 150 grams. Roughly, this equates to half a plate for two portions.
Standards aside, the research hinted that even a modest amount of mushrooms each week might significantly lower MCI risk. Assistant Professor Lei Feng, from the NUS Department of Psychological Medicine, commented : "This correlation is surprising and encouraging. It seems that a commonly available single ingredient could have a dramatic effect on cognitive decline.
" What you need to know about Alzheimer's disease According to the NHS in the UK: "Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in the UK. Dementia is the name for a group of symptoms associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. "It can affect memory, thinking skills and other mental abilities.
The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is not yet fully understood, although a number of things are thought to increase your risk of developing the condition." Risk factors include increasing age, a family history of the condition, untreated depression, lifestyle factors and conditions associated with cardiovascular disease. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease.
It's a progressive condition, which means the symptoms develop gradually over time and become worse. Usually the first signs include minor memory problems such as forgetting about recent conversations or events, or forgetting the names of places and objects. If you are concerned you, or a loved one, may have the illlness it's important to contact your GP for advice.
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