02/07/07 Good Neurological Health

Good Neurological Health. I'm Greg Martin with today's Fruit Grower Report. An apple a day is how the old adage starts but continuing research into the apple is showing just how true that adage is. Lacy Grey has the story. GREY: Apples and apple juice may be among the best foods that anyone could add to their diet according to a recently released study. Studies have found that quercetin (one of the antioxidants found abundantly in apples) was one of two compounds that helped to reduce cellular death that is caused by oxidation and inflammation of neurons. Another study indicates that apple juice consumption may actually increase the production in the brain of the essential neurotransmitter acetylcholine, resulting in improved memory among mice that have Alzheimer`s-like symptoms. Neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine are chemicals released from nerve cells that transmit messages to other nerve cells. Such communication between nerve cells is vital for overall good health, not just in the brain. Apples have been repeatedly hailed as a source of good health and one thing is sure, eating more apples won't hurt. That's today's Fruit Grower Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.