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An apple a day... How eating fruit could prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinson's

Last updated at 08:53am on 11th February 2008
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/liv...n_page_id=1774

Fruit may help prevent diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, according to research.

Extracts from apples, oranges and bananas were found to reduce the damage the illnesses do to neurons - nerve cells in the brain and spine.

Researchers found antioxidants in these fruits - the three most popular in the Western diet - prevented toxicity in neurons under stress.

Unpeeled apples have the highest quantity of the antioxidants, followed by bananas and oranges, according to Professor Chang Y Lee, who led the research.

He said: "We received many requests asking about the potential benefits of common fresh fruits in our daily diet, such as oranges or bananas.

"To answer these questions, we did some additional work.

"Many studies indicate that the brains of Alzheimer's patients are subjected to increased stress.

"The resulting dysfunctions in cells are widely believed to be responsible for the nerve degeneration in these patients.

"Our results suggest that fresh apples, bananas and oranges in our daily diet, along with other fruits, may protect neuron cells.

"They may play an important role in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease."