For the study, researchers tested the memory of over 5,000 seniors up to four times over an eight-year period. At the beginning, the participants also answered questions about their eating habits. The group of seniors with the highest intake of fruits and vegetables, five or more servings a day, scored higher on the test than the rest of the participants. Moreover, those who nibbled on plenty of veggies and fruit were able to maintain their memory over time.
"It appears that higher intake of fruits and vegetables may protect against memory loss in older adults," said Wengreen.
Previously, the same research group also found that taking daily vitamin E and C supplements also cuts the risk of Alzheimer's. However, since the data was based on the dietary information given at the beginning of the study, Wengreen said that she is unable to say if the seniors who consumed a lot of fruits and vegetables continued to do so as the years passed.
Additionally, Wengreen also noted that the current guidelines recommend that adults eat five-and-a-half cups of fruits and vegetables every day, which is far from the amount that most American adults eat.
"Many Americans fall short of the current recommendations…even though we know they are good for us," said Wengreen, "Eating more fruits and vegetables in your later years offers benefits to both body and mind."
