Juices 'may cut Alzheimer's risk'

Drinking fruit and vegetable juices frequently may significantly cut the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, a study suggests. A study in the American Journal of Medicine followed almost 2,000 people for up to 10 years - providing a powerful set of results. They found the risk was 76% lower for those who drank juice more than three times a week, compared with those who drank it less than once a week.
Alzheimer's is linked to the accumulation of clumps of beta-amyloid protein in the brain. There is some evidence to suggest that this process may be controlled by the chemical hydrogen peroxide. Various studies have suggested that polyphenols - chemicals available in many foods - might disrupt these processes and provide some protection against Alzheimer's disease by neutralising the effect of damaging compounds called free radicals.
Fruit and vegetable juices are particularly rich in polyphenols. Lead researcher Dr Qi Dai, of Vanderbilt University, said: "We found that frequent drinking of fruit and vegetable juices was associated with a substantially decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease. "These findings are new and suggest that fruit and vegetable juices may play an important role in delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease." The research was carried out on Japanese Americans, but researchers said the findings were applicable to the general population.
Harriet Millward, of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said: "Many scientists believe there is a link between the release of free radicals within the body and early changes to brain cells in people who ultimately go on to develop Alzheimer's disease."Since fruit and vegetable juices are rich in antioxidants which 'mop up' free radicals, this interesting piece of research adds weight to this theory."Dr Millward said previous studies had produced mixed results, and some had suggested the benefits of fruit and vegetables were short lived. But she said the results of the latest study were significant because it was long-term, and had followed a relatively large group of people.
'Carrot and kiwifruit' was my first choice today with 2 carrots and 1 kiwifruit. I thought it was a very parculiar mix and wasn't sure how it would taste. The colour was weird - a sort of swampy, green/orange is the only way I can explain it. Carrot juice is actually reallly sweet and is known for it's cleansing benefits and this actually tasted really nice, not too sharp and was fine for breakfast. Rating 5/5
I know i've been very daring with my choices so far but I think this one tops the lot, 'back on track'. I have no idea why it's called this and it contains 1 sweet potato, 2 oranges and 1 carrot. In order to make it more drinkable you need to give it a quick whizz in the blender after juicing (oh joy, more washing up). Yes, it does taste as weird as it sounds and it the texture was too thick for me. Rating 2/5.

Today's Ratings (out of 5)
Energy: 4
Hassle: 5
Benefits: 3