A recent study has revealed that increasing the levels of vitamins C and beta-carotene in your diet may help lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease.

“Today is International Day of Older Persons and is the perfect opportunity to highlight this new research because Alzheimer’s Disease, which is a form of Dementia, is more common in those older than 65,” said AUSVEG Spokesperson, Courtney Burger.

“New research indicates people should increase their vitamin C and beta-carotene levels to potentially reduce the chance of developing Alzheimer’s Disease. The easiest way to boost your vitamin levels is to include more fresh vegetables in your diet,” said Miss Burger.

AUSVEG is the National Peak Industry Body representing Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers.

The research is published in the ‘Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease’, an international multidisciplinary journal headquartered in Germany which focuses on all aspects of the disease.
“The study compared 74 people with Alzheimer’s Disease to 158 patients

who did not suffer the condition, with all participants being between the age of 65 and 90. The research showed those who have Alzheimer’s had lower levels of both vitamin C and beta-carotene,” said Miss Burger.

“Dementia is the third leading cause of death in Australia after heart disease and stroke, and currently there are almost 280,000 people living with dementia in Australia.”

“Every adult, regardless of age, should be eating at least 5 serves of vegetables per day and this research is suggesting an easy change Australians can make to their diets to take preventative steps towards reducing their risk of Alzheimer’s.”

Vegetables that contain high levels of vitamin C are tomatoes, capsicums, broccoli, spinach and potatoes. Carrots are the number one vegetable which contains the highest level of beta-carotene.

“A recent statistic from ‘The Victorian Health Monitor Food and Nutrition report’ released by the Victorian Health Department has shown that vegetable consumption amongst Victorian men and women is down by 20 per cent compared to a 1995 survey. Currently only 14 per cent of Victorian adults are eating enough vegetables every day,” said Miss Burger.

“With new research showing the potential link between boosting your vitamin intake and reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease, every Australian should try to actively incorporate more vegetables into their daily routine as they are a natural source of vitamins and minerals,” said Miss Burger.

MEDIA CONTACT: Courtney Burger – AUSVEG Spokesperson, Phone: (03) 9822 0388, Mobile: 0439 784 890, Email: courtney.burger@ausveg.com.au