Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Close Banner
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

The Tonic This Neuroscientist Drinks Every Morning To Prevent Alzheimer's

Nicole Avena, Ph.D.
Author:
January 07, 2019
Nicole Avena, Ph.D.
Neuroscientist
By Nicole Avena, Ph.D.
Neuroscientist
Dr. Nicole Avena is a research neuroscientist, author and expert in the fields of nutrition, diet and addiction. She received a Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Psychology from Princeton University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in molecular biology at The Rockefeller University in New York City.
Image by Tatjana Zlatkovic / Stocksy
January 07, 2019

This tonic is excellent for your health in so many ways (immune-boosting, energizing, gut-friendly, etc.), but most importantly, this tonic provides many nutritional benefits that may help prevent Alzheimer's down the road. Each ingredient has something to offer, which makes this drink the perfect way to start your day. As a Ph.D., an assistant professor of neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and a visiting professor of health psychology at Princeton University, I'm acutely aware of the negative effects of Alzheimer's—and the power of lifestyle changes to make a real difference. Let's take a look at what exactly you'll get from this tonic for Alzheimer's prevention.

Folate

Adding a fresh orange to this veggie drink not only makes it deliciously (but naturally) sweet, but oranges actually contain a fair amount of folate. Studies have shown that low blood levels of folate1 are associated with Alzheimer's, whereas other studies have also shown that folate supplementation decreases the risk of Alzheimer's2 later in life. Just one orange contains 40 to 50 mcg of folate, and orange juice may contain even more, especially if it is fortified.

Nitrate

Nitrate is a molecule that can be found in plant foods, like beets, and research tells us that an increase in dietary nitrate intake may be useful to help lower blood pressure3. This is important because a lot of research also indicates that cardiovascular disease may be linked to cognitive impairment4, including Alzheimer's. Don't confuse dietary nitrate with nitrite, however, which is a preservative added to processed meats (like bacon) to help prevent spoilage and enhance the pink color.

Prebiotics

You may be familiar with the term probiotics, but what about prebiotics? Prebiotics are found in plant foods, and they are certain fibers that help the beneficial bacteria in your gut grow. These bacteria feed on the fibers that pass through your intestines, which aren't digestible by your body. Included in the list of prebiotic foods (and this tonic!) are carrots and beets. Maple water contains prebiotics as well (in addition to electrolytes and antioxidants). Preliminary research shows that altering our gut microbiome may slow down the progression of Alzheimer's, and one way to do that is by eating prebiotics!

Anti-inflammatory properties

Finally, let's chat about ginger. Ginger is commonly known for its ability to settle an upset stomach, but did you know it also has anti-inflammatory properties5? That's why ginger is the perfect addition to this daily tonic (or any meal for that matter). Researchers have found an association between inflammation in the body6 and the development of Alzheimer's. Although we can't say that eating ginger will necessarily help prevent Alzheimer's, there's no harm in adding this tasty herb to any tonic.

Image by Tatjana Zlatkovic / Stocksy

Alzheimer's Prevention Tonic

Ingredients

  • 1 peeled orange (or ⅓ cup fortified orange juice)
  • 1 small carrot, peeled (raw or cooked)
  • ½ small beet (raw or cooked)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 6 fluid ounces maple water (we love Drink Simple)

Method

  • Blend ingredients together until smooth. Add ice as desired to the blender. Drink immediately.

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

What Is Meditation?

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins

Box Breathing

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

What Breathwork Can Address

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

Nutrition | Rich Roll

What to Eat Before a Workout

Nutrition | Rich Roll

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Nutrition | Sahara Rose

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Love Languages

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Related Videos (10)

What Is Meditation?

Box Breathing

What Breathwork Can Address

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

What to Eat Before a Workout

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love Languages

Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

More On This Topic

more Food
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.