Although it's not clear why certain foods might have a protective effect, some research suggests Parkinson's disease may be more likely to occur when cells in the body undergo a damaging process called oxidative stress. 

This is where harmful substances get into the body, usually through poor diet, and attack healthy cells in much the same way as rust rots a car.   Fruit, vegetables, fish and pulses all contain high levels of antioxidants, which can help to block this process.

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RESEARCH-BASED SUPPORT OF THE ABOVE:

In the latest study, researchers at the University of Tokyo assessed the eating habits of 249 newly-diagnosed Parkinson's patients and compared them with 368 healthy volunteers.  They split them into three groups.  'Healthy' diets were dominated by fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, pulses, mushrooms and seaweed, 'Western' diets, featuring higher levels of red and processed meat and foods high in animal fats and - 'Light Meals' - roughly half way between the two.

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The results showed those in the 'Healthy diet' group who ate the highest amounts of plant foods and fish were nearly half as likely to get Parkinson's disease as those who ate the least.  Meanwhile, neither of the other two diets had any protective effect.

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In a report on their findings the researchers said:  'A dietary pattern consisting of high intakes of vegetables, fruits and fish may be associated with a decreased risk of Parkinson's disease.'

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BENEFITS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET (from the Mayo Clinic)

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Research has shown that the traditional Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of heart disease.  In fact, an analysis of more than 1.5 million healthy adults demonstrated that following a Mediterranean diet was associated with a reduced risk of death from heart disease and cancer, as well as a reduced incidence of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends the Mediterranean diet as an eating plan that can help promote health and prevent disease.  And the Mediterranean diet is one your whole family can follow for good health.

KEY COMPONENTS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes:

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• Eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts

• Replacing butter with healthy fats, such as olive oil

• Using herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor foods

• Limiting red meat to no more than a few times a month

• Eating fish and poultry at least twice a week

• Drinking red wine in moderation (optional)

The diet also recognizes the importance of being physically active, and enjoying meals with family and friends.

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FOCUS ON FRUITS, VEGETABLES, NUTS AND GRAINS

The Mediterranean diet traditionally includes fruits, vegetables and grains.  For example, residents of Greece average six or more servings a day of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.

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Grains in the Mediterranean region are typically whole grain and usually contain very few unhealthy trans fats, and bread is an important part of the diet.  However, throughout the Mediterranean region, bread is eaten plain or dipped in olive oil — not eaten with butter or margarine, which contains saturated or trans fats.

Nuts are another part of a healthy Mediterranean diet.  Nuts are high in fat, but most of the fat is healthy.  Because nuts are high in calories, they should not be eaten in large amounts — generally no more than a handful a day.  For the best nutrition, avoid candied or honey-roasted and heavily salted nuts. 

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PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

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The Mediterranean diet is a delicious and healthy way to eat.  Many people who switch to this style of eating say they'll never eat any other way.  Here are some specific steps to get you started:

Eat your veggies and fruits — and switch to whole grains.  A variety of plant foods should make up the majority of your meals.  They should be minimally processed — fresh and whole are best. Include veggies and fruits in every meal and eat them for snacks as well.  Switch to whole-grain bread and cereal, and begin to eat more whole-grain rice and pasta products.  Keep baby carrots, apples and bananas on hand for quick, satisfying snacks.  Fruit salads are a wonderful way to eat a variety of healthy fruit.

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Go nuts.  Nuts and seeds are good sources of fiber, protein and healthy fats.  Keep almonds, cashews, pistachios and walnuts on hand for a quick snack.  Choose natural peanut butter, rather than the kind with hydrogenated fat added.  Try blended sesame seeds (tahini) as a dip or spread for bread.

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Pass on the butter.  Try olive or canola oil as a healthy replacement for butter or margarine. Lightly drizzle it over vegetables.  After cooking pasta, add a touch of olive oil, some garlic and green onions for flavoring.  Dip bread in flavored olive oil or lightly spread it on whole-grain bread for a tasty alternative to butter.  Try tahini as a dip or spread for bread too.

Spice it up.  Herbs and spices make food tasty and can stand in for salt and fat in recipes.

Go fish.  Eat fish at least twice a week.  Fresh or water-packed tuna, salmon, trout, mackerel and herring are healthy choices.  Grill, bake or broil fish for great taste and easy cleanup.  Avoid breaded and fried fish.

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Rein in the red meat.  Limit red meat to no more than a few times a month.  Substitute fish and poultry for red meat.  When choosing red meat, make sure it's lean and keep portions small (about the size of a deck of cards).  Also avoid sausage, bacon and other high-fat, processed meats.

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Choose low-fat dairy.  Limit higher fat dairy products, such as whole or 2 percent milk, cheese and ice cream.  Switch to skim milk, fat-free yogurt and low-fat cheese.