New research shows that a powerful natural compound could be used to prevent – or even treat – Alzheimer’s disease.

This beneficial nutrient is called carnosine. It is an amino acid that is naturally found in high concentrations in muscle tissue and in the brain. But studies show that these levels are depleted in patients with Alzheimer’s.

The new study shows benefits against Alzheimer’s. It was conducted by Dr. Stefano Sensi. He’s a neurologist at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). The National Institutes of Health has recognized him for his work.

He says that carnosine has “neuro-protective activity.” And it can protect the brain in three ways.

Shielding the Brain in Three Ways

Scientists are still studying how Alzheimer’s develops. But they know it has something to do with the formation of abnormal clumps (amyloid plaques) and tangled fibers (neurofibrillary tangles) within the brain. It’s also associated with the failure of mitochondria in the brain.

Carnosine is a powerful antioxidant, with particular benefits on nerve endings. It is also a chelating agent. So it can bind to heavy metals and remove them from your body. And research shows that it can have an impact on all three conditions related to Alzheimer’s.

Dr. Sensi tried carnosine on mice with spatial memory decline. This is the part of memory responsible for recording information about your environment.

One group of mice was treated with carnosine. Another group was used as a control. The mice were trained for three days and then given a maze test.

During the training, all of the mice learned at the same rate. But when the researchers tested spatial memory skills, the untreated mice showed short-term memory loss. The mice treated with carnosine did not.

Then the researchers examined the brains of the treated mice. They found a significant decrease in amyloid beta protein, which causes plaques to form. They also saw improvement in mitochondrial function.

Carnosine didn’t completely reverse cognitive decline. But it did begin a trend toward better brain function.

The Case for Eating Meat

Carnosine is critical for the proper functioning of your brain and nervous system. And the most abundant natural source of this vital nutrient is meat. Beef contains about 1,500 mg of carnosine per pound, while pork and poultry contain about 2,000 mg per pound.

If you eat meat several times a week, you should be getting plenty of carnosine in your diet. Always choose grass-fed beef or pastured pork and poultry whenever possible.

However, if you’re a vegetarian, you’re likely not getting any carnosine in your diet. In this case, you should consider taking a carnosine supplement.

Dr. Marios Kyriazis is the medical advisor to the British Longevity Society. He notes that carnosine is safe and well tolerated in doses up to 800 mg per day and higher.

Increasing your carnosine intake is good for your brain and your muscles. It’s one of the best anti-aging compounds you can get in your diet.

To your best health,

Michael Jelinek,

Managing Editor, NHD “Health Watch”