05/02/06 Mental Health tied to Apples

Good Mental health tied to Apples. I'm Greg Martin with today's Fruit Grower Report. New research from the University of Massachusetts Lowell suggests that consuming apple juice may protect against cell damage that contributes to age-related memory loss, even in test animals that were not prone to developing Alzheimer`s disease and other dementias. These results suggest that "An apple a day" now has new meaning for those who want to maintain mental dexterity as they age. Lacy Gray has more. GRAY: "This new study suggests that eating and drinking apples and apple juice, in conjunction with a balanced diet, can protect the brain from the effects of oxidative stress and that we should eat such antioxidant-rich foods," said lead researcher Thomas B. Shea. The researchers evaluated adult and aged mice using a standard diet, a nutrient-deficient diet, and a nutrient-deficient diet supplemented with apple juice concentrate in drinking water. Although the adult mice tested were not affected negatively by the deficient diets, the aged mice were, which is consistent with normal aging due to oxidative neurodegeneration. Supplementation by apple juice fully protected the aged mice from the oxidative stress caused by the nutrient-deficient diet. In addition, stronger mental acuity resulted when the aged mice consumed the human equivalent of 2-3 cups of apple juice or approximately 2-4 apples per day. This study was sponsored by the U.S. Apple Association and the Apple Products Research and Education Council. That's today's Fruit Grower Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.