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This Sweet, Sweet Treat May Protect The Brain Against Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's prevention may be closer -- and tastier.
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By 

Senior Reporter, HuffPost

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Creatas via Getty Images

A cure for Alzheimer's may be closer -- and tastier -- than we think, according to findings presented at the American Chemical Society's annual meeting. The findings revealed that pure maple syrup has the potential to protectively impact brain cells. 

Researchers found real maple syrup -- the kind that comes from the sap of a maple tree -- helps prevent two types of proteins found in brain cells from clumping together. When these cellular proteins, beta amyloid and tau peptide, improperly accumulate together, plaque is formed in the brain, causing Alzheimer's and other brain diseases. 

And if that news wasn't sweet enough, scientists found that maple syrup extract also could prolong Alzheimer's patients lifespans by protecting the brain cells from fibrillating, or clumping together. Maple syrup keeps beta-amyloid from sticking together or becoming tangled, the scientists found.

Not surprisingly, the news was heralded by Serge Beaulieu, president of the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers. In a press release, he said, "We already know that maple has more than 100 bioactive compounds, some of which have anti-inflammatory properties. Brain health is the latest topic of exploration and we look forward to learning more about the potential benefits that maple syrup might have in this area."

Maple syrup is just the latest food linked with slowing or preventing Alzheimer's. Berries, red wine and pomegranates have all been studied for their potential benefits. 

Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that worsens over time and causes memory loss, difficulty with language, concentrating, planning, and organizing. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5 million Americans have the disease. 

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Before You Go

Alzheimer's Prevention Recipes
The Alzheimer's Prevention Cookbook(01 of07)
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The Alzheimer's Prevention Cookbook by Dr. Marwan Sabbagh and Beau MacMillan. Published by Ten Speed Press. (The following slides were reprinted with permission from The Alzheimer’s Prevention Cookbook: Recipes to Boost Brain Health by Dr. Marwan Sabbagh and Beau MacMillan, copyright © 2012. Published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group) (credit:Photo credit: Caren Alpert)
Sweet Peach Smoothie(02 of07)
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The key to this recipe is using a ripe, in-season peach. It’s always good to get to know the produce guys at your local grocery store because they will let you know when peaches are in their prime. Peaches contain numerous nutrients that are good for your body, including niacin, thiamin, potassium, and calcium. They are also high in beta-carotene, which promotes healthy hearts and eyes. The darker the peach’s color, the more vitamin A it has in its pulp. Peaches may also help in maintaining healthy urinary and digestive functions. There’s some evidence that flaxseed oil may help reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and even diabetes. (credit:Photo credit: Caren Alpert)
Breakfast Fried Rice with Scrambled Eggs(03 of07)
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Think outside the (cereal) box: fried rice is a great way to fuel up with carbs in the morning. With brown rice, lots of fresh vegetables, and a minimal amount of fat, this recipe is a healthy take on fried rice and is high in vitamin B6. Lop chong is a dried, cooked Chinese sausage with a slightly sweet and smoky flavor; it will require a trip to the Asian grocery store, but you can choose to leave it out. (credit:Photo credit: Caren Alpert)
Ahi Tuna on Rye with Spinach Pesto Yogurt(04 of07)
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This is not your average tuna sandwich. For one thing, it’s more like tuna tartare on bread. For another, it’s a very brain-healthy meal. Spinach Pesto Yogurt, not mayonnaise, holds the tuna mixture together, which keeps the amount of saturated fat to a minimum. Tuna is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, the pistachios provide vitamin E, and the raisins are a good source of polyphenol antioxidants. Because the tuna is not cooked in this recipe, be sure to purchase sashimi-grade tuna; ask the fishmonger if you aren’t sure about the quality of the tuna on offer at the seafood counter. (credit:Photo credit: Caren Alpert)
Striped Bass with Golden Tomato and Sweet Pepper Stew(05 of07)
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(credit:Photo credit: Caren Alpert)
Spaghetti Squash with Caramelized Onion and Tomato(06 of07)
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Spaghetti squash is an often-overlooked vegetable. But it’s a very powerful ingredient from a brain-health perspective: it’s low in saturated fat, very low in cholesterol, and a good source of niacin, vitamin B6, and pantothenic acid--plus spaghetti squash is a very good source of vitamin C. In this recipe, strands of baked spaghetti squash are the backdrop for sweet caramelized onions that contrast against salty, savory Parmesan cheese. This dish will appeal to adults and kids alike, and it’s a great way to get pasta lovers to eat more vegetables. (credit:Photo credit: Caren Alpert)
Curried Quinoa with Green Onions and Basil(07 of07)
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(credit:Photo credit: Caren Alpert)
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