Pure maple syrup research shows promise in the fight against Alzheimer's diseaseOne study presented by Dr. Donald Weaver, from the Krembil Research Institute of the University of Toronto, found that an extract of maple syrup may help prevent the misfolding and clumping of two types of proteins found in brain cells - beta amyloid and tau peptide. When cellular proteins fold improperly and clump together, they accumulate and form the plaque that is involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's and other brain diseases.
The other research presented at the symposium showed that a pure maple syrup extract prevented the fibrillation (tangling) of beta amyloid proteins and exerted neuroprotective effects in rodent's microglial brain cells. Scientists have found that a decrease in microglial brain cell function is associated with Alzheimer's disease and other neurological problems. The maple syrup extract also prolonged the lifespan of an Alzheimer's roundworm model in vivo. The study was conducted out of the University of Rhode Island, in collaboration with researchers at Texas State University, and was led by Dr. Navindra P. Seeram, the symposium's organizer.
Maple syrup (and maple sugar) was the only sugar that I could tolerate in significant quantity while I was recovering. A couple of years ago I switched from maple syrup to blackberry jam on the pancakes that I eat for breakfast about once every week or 2. I reckon I'll be switching back.
Between smoking a couple of cigars daily (nicotine is also protective of Alzheimer's), and eating maple syrup every week or so, I should be all set.
Tex
