Another reason to avoid junk food…

In The Alzheimer's Alternative with have discussed in detail the advantages of a Mediterranean diet and how simple dietary changes can improve mental health and brain function - and this is confirmed once again by a new study.

Junk food, cured meats, cheap beer and over-use of agricultural fertilisers may be linked to an increase in Alzheimer's, diabetes and Parkinson's disease, according to new research.

A study led by Professor Suzanne de la Monte, one of the worlds leading Alzheimer's researchers, has found ''a substantial link'' between the disease and increased levels of nitrites and nitrates in processed foods, soils and water.

Professor de la Monte, a pathologist at the Rhode Island hospital in the United States, said the rising rate of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease and diabetes in the US mirrored “classic trends of exposure-related disease” and could not be explained by genetic factors.

Her findings are published in the July 2009 issue of The Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.

“If this hypothesis is correct, potential solutions include eliminating the use of nitrites and nitrates in food processing, preservation and agriculture,” she said.

Nitrites and nitrates belong to a class of chemical compounds that have been found to be harmful to humans and animals. More than 90 percent of these compounds that have been tested have been determined to be carcinogenic in various organs. They are found in many food products (they are added to foods as a preservative, to kill bacteria and to enhance colour) including fried bacon, cured meats and cheese products as well as beer and water. Exposure also occurs through manufacturing and processing of rubber and latex products, as well as fertilizers, pesticides and cosmetics.

So, stick to your fish, vegetables, nuts and fruit and you shouldn’t go far wrong!