Healthy Cooking – Prevent Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that affects the central nervous system, especially the motor nerves. As its symptoms only appear slowly over time, it is often being overlooked. The common initial symptoms include body tremors, stiffness in limbs, reduced motor function and walking abnormality. Some patients may also experience some cognitive and behavioural problems, resulting in cognitive impairment, which greatly affects the patient’s daily life and self-care ability.

The Cause of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is caused from the death of substantia nigra cells in the midbrain, resulting in a lack of dopamine in the relevant brain area of the patient and leading to the symptoms. Medically, it has not been determined what causes the death of substantia nigra cells in the midbrain. It is generally believed to be related to genetic and environmental factors. Therefore, people with a family history of Parkinson’s disease are at higher risk. Some research also pointed out that long-term exposure to certain pesticide substances or trauma to the head will increase the chance of developing Parkinson’s disease.

Mediterranean Diet for Parkinson’s Disease

The Mediterranean Diet is considered by dietitians as one of the healthy eating plans. This diet consists of a large amount of olive oil, legumes, natural grains, fruits and vegetables; moderate amounts of fish, dairy products (cheese and yoghurt) and red wine, and a small amount of meat. At the same time, some studies have suggested that the Mediterranean diet can effectively prevent Parkinson’s disease. The reason being the food combination contains high levels of antioxidants, including complex phenols, vitamins C, E and carotenoids. Antioxidants can effectively cleanse the free radicals in the body and prevent the accumulation of excessive free radical which may damage the neurons that produce dopamine neurons, therefore preventing Parkinson’s symptoms.

Preventing Secondary Parkinsonism

Parkinson’s disease is divided into primary and secondary. Primary Parkinson’s disease is caused by the degeneration or death of brain cells in the substantia nigra. Secondary Parkinsonism is caused by other brain problems, such as a brain tumour or traumatic brain injury, which will generally show up from MRI. Apart from tumours or trauma, heavy metal such as copper, aluminium, magnesium, etc. accumulated in the body may also be the main cause of secondary Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, it is very important to avoid the intake of harmful substances such as heavy metals during cooking and eating to prevent Parkinson’s disease.

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