New research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) and the Danish Cancer Research Institute (DCRI) suggests that the source of nitrate in a person's diet may play an important role in dementia risk.
In a large study that followed more than 54,000 Danish adults for up to 27 years, researchers examined how nitrate and nitrite intake from different sources related to the development of dementia, including early-onset dementia. Their findings revealed a striking contrast. Higher nitrate intake from vegetables was associated with a lower risk of dementia, while greater exposure to nitrate and nitrite from animal products, processed meats, and drinking water was linked to a higher risk.
Dementia is influenced by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors, but researchers say diet may be another important piece of the puzzle.
Vegetable Nitrate Linked to Lower Dementia Risk
According to ECU Associate Professor Catherine Bondonno, the protective effect associated with nitrate-rich vegetables may be related to how the body processes nitrate.
