The Mediterranean diet has long been touted as a healthy eating plan, but recent studies suggest it may also have a profound impact on brain health. A new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a “green” Mediterranean diet, which is high in plant-based foods, can slow down brain aging and even improve cognitive function.
Researchers recruited 224 participants who were overweight and around 50 years old, and divided them into three groups: one group followed a standard healthy diet, another followed the Mediterranean diet, and a third followed the “green” version of the diet. The results showed that the brains of those on the green Mediterranean diet had less brain shrinkage and neuron death than those on other diets.
While the exact mechanisms behind this effect are still unclear, scientists believe that stable blood sugar levels may play a role in reducing inflammation in the brain. Another study published in Gut Microbes Reports found similar results in lab rats, where a Mediterranean diet improved gut health and boosted cognitive function.
The findings suggest that incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet, such as spinach and beans, can have a positive impact on brain health. As one researcher noted, “the Mediterranean diet or its biological effects could be harnessed to improve scholastic performance in adolescents, or work performance in young adults.”
With the growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of the Mediterranean diet for overall health and cognitive function, it’s time to give this eating plan a try. So why not start incorporating more olive oil, veggies, fiber, and fish into your diet today? Your brain will thank you!
Source: https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/scientists-just-discovered-this-specific-diet-improves-your-memory-and-slows-brain-aging/91105123