Give your parents milk!

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that plays a vital role in protecting the human brain against reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals that can damage brain tissue and lead to so-called “oxidative stress”.

Oxidative stress is associated with a variety of diseases including those that affect brain functioning, like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

The solution, the study says, is to drink more milk, as much as three servings per day. Dairy product servings are: Milk - 1 cup, cottage cheese - 1/2 cup, yoghurt - 1 cup, other cheeses 30 g.

DietDoc says that less than 23% of South Africans eat three servings of dairy a day and many older people may not drink milk or eat dairy products at all. If older adults improved their intakes of milk and dairy, it could have major positive implications for brain health.

Read more on the study and find out more about dairy foods.