Canadian researchers at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Quebec have found that eating a diet rich in vitamin E may help protect against Parkinsonís disease.
A review of eight studies conducted between 1966 and 2005 that considered the impacts of vitamins C, E and beta carotene on the odds of developing Parkinsonís found that a moderate intake of vitamin E actually lowered the risk. Neither vitamin C nor beta carotene seemed to offer any protection against the disease.
While the study suggested benefits as a result of a diet rich in vitamin E, researchers said they did not know whether vitamin E supplements would have any benefits.
Parkinsonís Disease is a slowly progressive, chronic neurodegenerative illness that affects 1 percent of people over the age of 65 worldwide. Parkinson Society Canada estimates that there are approximately 100,000 people currently living with the disease in Canada. Parkinsonís is characterized by tremors, stiffness, and poor coordination and balance. Parkinsonís occurs when brain cells that produce a chemical called dopamine malfunction.
While these results are promising, more studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage. Foods rich in the vitamin include nuts, seeds, wheat germ, spinach and other green leafy vegetables.
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