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Polyphenols Stop Brain Cell Damage & Memory Loss

A diet rich in polyphenol containing fruits like apples, grapes and berries may protect against the oxidative stress that is linked to brain cell damage, loss of cognitive function and Alzheimer's Disease, according to a new study published in the January 31, 2008, issue of The Journal of Food Science .

Korean researchers from Gyeongsang National University, Korea University and Kyung Hee University , studied the protective effects of polyphenol-rich fruit extracts on PC12 nerve cells exposed to the oxidative effects of hydrogen peroxide (H202). The cells that were pre-treated with the fruit extracts containing the highest levels of polyphenols showed the greatest reduction in oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell membrane damage.

Although the exact cause of Alzheimer's Disease is not clear, mounting research indicates that it is caused by the oxidative stress that causes a build-up of cross-linked proteins, known as amyloid plaque, to deposit in the brain with aging. The deposits inhibit normal communication between neurons and are associated with an increase in brain cell damage and death.

The researchers concluded that the antioxidant polyphenols in the major fresh fruits consumed in the United States and Korea were responsible for protecting the neuronal cells from oxidative damage, which led to improved cognitive performance.

Alzheimer's disease has been diagnosed in more than 13 million people worldwide and more than 5 million people in the US. The direct and indirect cost of Alzheimer care is over $100 billion in the US alone.

To protect against the oxidative stress that is linked to brain cell damage, loss of cognitive function and Alzheimer's Disease Dr. Hansen recommends that all his patients take a daily dose of Ultra GSE 110 - Grape Seed Extract, which contains 110mg of nature's most potent polyphenols. For more information on this amazing formula, click here.

Source: Journal of Food Science
Published online ahead of print, doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2007.00632.x
"Effects of Banana, Orange , and Apple on Oxidative Stress-Induced Neurotoxicity in PC12 Cells"
Authors: H.J. Heo, S.J. Choi, S.-G. Choi, D.-H. Shin, J.M. Lee, C.Y. Lee

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