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How To Prevent Alzheimer's Disease And 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.

This research will certainly influence further studies into mental decline in the older population. It has been shown in many other studies that beta-carotene has a definite role in preventing other illnesses such as cataracts, heart disease and certain cancers.

Besides carrots, what other foods contain beta-carotene? Mostly highly pigmented fruit and vegetables will contain beta- carotene which is part of the carotenoids family. The most common ones are :- sweet potatoes, squash, spinach, apricots, coriander and green peppers. Another great advantage of beta-carotene is that is converted to retinol which helps to maintain good eyesight.

People who have been exposed to asbestos, heavy smokers and drinkers should avoid taking beta-carotene supplements. There is evidence to show that beta-carotene in these subjects may actually increase the rates of prostate cancer and lung cancer.

Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant, protecting the cells of the body from damage caused by free radicals. Beta-carotene is able to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the body. A tell-tale sign of excessive consumption of beta-carotene is a yellowish discoloration of the skin, most often occurring in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. .

You can try a few recipes to get you started on including carrots and other beta-carotene foods as an integral part of your diet. Smoothies are easy to prepare and are delicious.Here is one of my favourites which will give you a really nutritious drink. Blend 1 apple, 3 carrots, 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.

Article Source: http://www.articlemanual.com

Would you like to prevent mental illness? Time to change your diet to include beta-carotene foods. Super Smoothie Recipes Visit the Wellness Bible For The Latest Health Tips

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