The Mediterranean diet is a valuable aid against Alzheimer’s.
A smoothie of pears with spices for breakfast. Then, a warm spinach salad with oranges and sunflower seeds for lunch. And finally, a stew of sea bass with golden cherry tomatoes and sweet peppers for dinner. All accompanied by a pomegranate sangria or a smoothie of blueberries, banana, and basil. These are some of the original recipes proposed in the book ‘The Anti-Alzheimer’s Diet,’ published by Edizioni Plan di Loreto (Ancona) and curated in the Italian edition by Fabio Piccini, a doctor and researcher in nutritional science. The work offers a true recipe book for the prevention of this disease at the table, drawing on the validated information from the latest scientific research. ‘The secret lies entirely in the Mediterranean diet, which is perhaps the dietary regimen that, more than others, manages to provide complete protection against Alzheimer’s, and does so in a way that is decidedly delightful to the palate,’ explains Piccini, a researcher at the Polytechnic University of the Marche. ‘In this book, we will try to teach you a new way of thinking about food and cooking it, in a way that ensures safe protection for your body and your brain in the years to come.
‘ The Meteoweb.eu article goes on to share that ‘The Anti-Alzheimer’s Diet’ was written in the United States by a doctor and a chef: Marwan Sabbagh, a geriatric neurologist, is the director of the Banner Sun Health Research Institute, while Beau MacMillan is the chef of the Sanctuary restaurant at Camelback Mountain. The 250 pages of the book begin with an extensive overview of what science currently says about Alzheimer’s and the effectiveness of the Mediterranean diet as complete prevention against this condition. Then, there are ‘recipes for brain health’ which include 100 proposals of easy and tasty dishes, divided by type: breakfast; snacks and appetizers; soups; salads and sandwiches; main dishes; vegetables, cereals, and legumes; dressings and sauces. Drinks are also included. Each recipe is accompanied by a list of ingredients and preparation methods, along with a detailed scientific explanation of the benefits in preventing Alzheimer’s.
‘Despite there being non-modifiable risk factors, we can still fight to delay the development of the disease,’ emphasizes one of the authors, neurologist Marwan Sabbagh, in the book, ‘and one of the most effective methods known involves reconsidering how we nourish ourselves. Just like that. Eating differently can help our brain function better and ultimately keep Alzheimer’s at bay. And so, I decided to write a book that explains to people how the diet can decrease – or conversely increase – the risks of contracting the disease and what changes in food choices can be made for long-term benefits, both for our brain and our body.
