The Alzheimer is a type of dementia characterized by memory loss, but it also causes confusion in the patient. It is a condition that prevents older adults from being independent and carrying out their daily activities. However, a new study indicates that the consumption of antioxidants could be crucial in preventing this disease. Here we tell you everything you need to know about this discovery and which foods you should include in your diet.

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are substances that protect against the effects caused by free radicals, a molecule associated with chronic diseases, cancer, and heart conditions.

Although free radicals affect us, there is a wide variety of foods and vitamins you can consume to combat the damage: fruits, vegetables, beverages, spices, vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, and flavonoids, among others.

You can also read: Drinking coffee could decrease the chances of developing Alzheimer’s

Do antioxidants prevent Alzheimer’s?

According to a scientific study published in September 2021, experts have discovered that the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods could become a method to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s.

During the research, experts concluded that the oxidation process in the body could be an early indicator of this disease that affects millions of people worldwide.

“Since there is an increase in oxidative stress in people who develop the disease, we could regulate antioxidant systems. For example, we could modulate antioxidant systems, such as apolipoproteins J and D, which transport lipids and cholesterol in the blood and play an important role in brain function and Alzheimer’s. Another option would be to increase the consumption of antioxidants through diet,” said Professor Charles Ramassamy.

Although there is still much to study, this research gives us hope that the condition could be controlled or prevented in the near future.

You can also read: Spices and aromatic herbs can help lower blood pressure

The 20 foods richest in antioxidants

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), these are the 20 foods richest in antioxidants:

1. Red beans

2. Wild blueberries

3. Red kidney beans

4. Pinto beans

5. Cultivated blueberries

6. Cranberries

7. Artichoke

8. Blackberry

9. Prune

10. Raspberry

11. Strawberry

12. Red delicious apple

13. Green apple

14. Pecan

15. Sweet cherries

16. Black plum

17. Russet potato

18. Black beans

19. Plum

20. Gala apple

You can also read: Foods that strengthen your brain

More antioxidant-rich foods

If you don’t like some of the foods mentioned above or they are not that easy to find, here are more options for foods that also contain antioxidants, although in lesser amounts than those already mentioned.

Fruits: red grapes, peach, fig, pear, guava, mango, melon, watermelon, papaya, tomato, and avocado.

Dry fruits: dates and raisins.

Vegetables: broccoli, spinach, carrot, cabbage, asparagus, beet, radishes, lettuce, sweet potato, pumpkin, Swiss chard, and kale.

Nuts and grains: oats, walnuts, pistachios, almonds, cashew nuts, macadamia nuts, and peanuts.

Beverages: Coffee, green tea, and black tea.

Spices and aromatic herbs: Cinnamon, turmeric, oregano, cumin, curry, parsley, basil, ginger, pepper, mustard seed, paprika, and cilantro.