Leading Aussie Scientist: Eating more apples may help improve your memory

Everyone knows the old adage, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. We associate apples with health benefits and there is a good reason why. Apples contain an impressive array of nutritional benefits, being high in vitamins while also containing minerals.

“Aside from these amazing health benefits, it’s also interesting to know that apples, which are rich in phenolics such as flavonoids, may help lower the risk of Alzheimer’s,” food scientist, clinical nutritionist and health researcher, Dr Vincent said.

What are flavonoids?

“Flavonoids are phenolic compounds that can be found in many plant products, including apples and other fruits and vegetables. They have strong antioxidant properties that may lower your risk of a heart attack or a stroke,” Dr Vincent explained.

“They work by regulating cellular activity in the body and fighting off free radicals that can cause oxidative stress on your body. As an antioxidant agent, they also help the body fight off potentially harmful molecules in the body.”

Dr Vincent is the founder of Renovatio Bioscience, a highly respected health and wellbeing brand that produces the popular range of activated phenolics supplements, pantry items and skin care products made from 100 percent Australian apples.

New research findings linking apples to lowered risk of Alzheimer’s disease

1. Flavonoid rich foods linked to lowering risk of Alzheimer’s

“Nutritional researchers in the US have recently discovered a link between the consumption of flavonoid-rich foods such as berries and apples and the lowered likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease and another forms of dementia. They conducted a study of 2,800 participants aged 50 and over and found that those who consumed lower amounts of flavonoid-rich foods were two to four times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s and related dementias over a 20 year span,” Dr Vincent said.

2.  Phenolic compounds

“Flavonoids are phenolic compounds occurring in fruits like apples and pears, and vegetables like kale and spinach. You can even find them in chocolate and wine! These compounds when absorbed properly are beneficial to our health,” Dr Vincent continued.

“Their antioxidant traits avert the damage that results from cellular oxidisation. Studies have shown that higher dietary intakes of flavonoids and their subclass of flavonols might be associated with reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.”

3. Improvement of heart health, reduced cancer risk, improved brain health

“It’s good to know that besides benefitting the brain, flavonoid consumption has also been linked to improved heart health,” Dr Vincent said.

“In terms of the benefits to brain health, the research team indicated that once they discovered the link between flavonoids and brain health, they were keen to pursue further research to gain a deeper understanding of their initial findings. This is certainly very promising and I can’t wait to learn more about their findings.”

4. Protection against neurotoxicity

“Including fresh apples in our daily diets may protect the brain’s neuron cells against oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity. This could in turn, play an important part in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s,” Dr Vincent said.

“Neurotoxicity occurs when the body’s nervous system is exposed to natural or manmade toxic substances and alters the normal activity of the nervous system. Eventually this could lead to disrupting or killing brain neurons.

“Neurotoxicity can occur as a result of exposure to substances used in chemotherapy, radiation treatment, drug therapies or even exposure to heavy metals like mercury and certain food additives, pesticides, industrial and cleaning solvents and cosmetics. It’s definitely a cause for concern and good to know that a simple fruit like an apple can have so much potential in its nutritional benefits.”

5.  Benefits to mental health

“Apples are a good source of pectin, a soluble fibre. Studies and research have found that consuming high amount of this type of fibre is linked to a lower risk of depression symptoms. Fruits and vegetables are highly beneficial for mental health and people who frequently consume raw fruits and veggies are less likely to suffer from symptoms of depression and anxiety,” Dr Vincent added.

Prevention better than treatment

“Unfortunately, at present, there is still no cure for Alzheimer’s. There are treatments available to slow the progression of the disease to improve the quality of life for those living with the disease, and their caregivers,” Dr Vincent said.

“As the exact cause for Alzheimer’s is still unknown, there is no certain way to prevent the condition. However, leading a healthy lifestyle including eating a balanced diet and maintaining fitness are both great ways that can help reduce your risk of developing the disease. It’s amazing to think that a simple fruit like an apple can play such an important role in lowering the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.”

About Renovatio

Renovatio Bioscience was founded by Dr Vincent in 2016 following his breakthrough discovery while undertaking antioxidant research at the University of Newcastle. He developed a laboratory technique to extract the world's most potent antioxidants 'activated phenolics' from Australian apples and other produce using only water. His innovative work solved an issue, which had been perplexing scientists all over the world for nearly 80 years.    

Dr Vincent patented and translated his innovative work into a range of 'turbo charged' health and wellness products to help people access the world's most potent antioxidants in an 'easy to consume' form.

www.renovatio.com.au