Parkinson’s disease affects hundreds of thousands of Americans today, and not every person’s path to the disease appears to be the same. The same can be said for those who go through life without ever experiencing the onset of the disease.
A recently published study Nutrients The journal found an interesting correlation between seaweed consumption and the development of Parkinson's disease, or rather the lack thereof. Researchers in Japan discovered that antioxidants in seaweed can protect our neurons from free radicals that can lead to neurological degeneration. This could help prevent the onset of Parkinson's disease.
To do this, the scientists looked at the neuroprotective properties of polyphenols in ecklonia cava, a type of seaweed found off the coast of Japan and Korea. Specifically, they looked at the ability of these compounds to “lighten” stress.[e] neuronal damage induced by rotenone. By exposing mice to the pesticide rotenone, scientists were able to recreate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease in test subjects.
“These findings suggest that ecklonia cava polyphenols [have] The team concluded that “it has a preventive effect against Parkinson's disease” and noted the following in their article:
Related: MF Superfood: Seaweed
This isn’t the only study to produce similar results. Researchers have found links between dietary antioxidants and Parkinson’s in the past. A 2020 study found that resveratol, found in plants and fruits like grapes, strawberries, and peanuts, protects the brain’s dopamine-producing neurons from dying
Another 2020 study found that ellagic acid, alpha-lipoic acid, and myrtenal improved neuromuscular coordination in mice. Ellagic acid is found in fruits and vegetables like grapes, pomegranates, strawberries, and hazelnuts. Alpha-lipoc acid is found in red meat, spinach, and broccoli. Myrtenal is found in herbs like marjoram and sage. Studies have also shown that drinking tea may help prevent Parkinson’s, likely due to the antioxidants in tea.
As you age, a balanced diet is essential for so much more than just your physical health.