Alzheimer’s disease is thought to be caused by neurotoxicity.

Cornell University researchers report in the Journal of Food Science, that apples, bananas, and oranges may provide more than just vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The researchers found that juice extracts from those fruits also have protective antioxidants, called phenolic phytochemicals, that prevents neurotoxicity. A key benefit of the antioxidants is that they may improve effects in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Of the three fruits studied, apples were found to contain the highest level of protective antioxidants, followed by bananas, then oranges.