Australian cook, author, restaurateur and gourmet food producer Maggie Beer has teamed up with leading Alzheimer’s researcher, Macquarie University’s Professor Ralph Martins, to write a cook book with recipes that boost brain health.

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Inspired by the latest scientific discoveries of Professor Martins and his neurobiology team in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Maggie came up with Recipes For Life which contains more than 200 recipes that help provide the nutrients we need for optimum brain health.

More than one million Australians and their families are affected by Alzheimer’s, but research has shown healthy eating, regular aerobic exercise and plenty of mental stimulation can help reduce the risk of developing the disease.

Professor Martins said ‘lifestyle’ diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease increases our chances of developing brain damage in the future. But he said a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, dairy foods, healthy fats and whole grains can help fight cognitive decline.

“You have the power to give yourself the very best chance of a healthy future,” Professor Martins said.

“The good news is that we have begun to identify the factors that can reduce a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s and some other forms of dementia, and slow its progression.”

The proceeds from Recipes For Life will be shared between the Maggie Beer Foundation and the Lions Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.

Maggie, whose Pheasant Farm shop in South Australia’s Barossa Valley is a popular tourist destination, said meals in the new book could have immediate health benefits.

“To have a healthy old age you must act now, whether you are 30 or 50,” she said.

“I have been delighted to work with Professor Ralph Martins and I have learned that if we are to avoid Alzheimer’s and other lifestyle diseases, it is what we eat today that matters.”

Recipes For Life is published by Simon & Schuster and is on sale now for $39.99

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MQ Health brings together leading research, clinical care and key partners to improve the lives of Alzheimer’s patients and their communities. MQ Health is working toward becoming one of the leading integrated ageing and dementia research and treatment hubs in the world. We host one of six high-profile, federally funded dementia research teams – which include some of Australia’s leading researchers – and actively participate in other world-class dementia research both in Australia and internationally.