THE MIRROR – Recent research shed light on five rules that may bolster your brain health – and they have all got something in common.
The peer-reviewed study, previously conducted by Tulane University in the US, monitored the diets of young rats over 14 weeks to investigate how diet influences cognitive function.
Researchers specifically examined the effects of a Mediterranean-style diet – packed with fibre, olive oil and fish – versus the typical fare consumed by Brits and Americans on a daily basis. This included everyday ingredients such as egg whites, butter and sugar, along with heavily saturated fats.
Considering the Western diet’s less-than-ideal reputation when it comes to wellbeing, it is hardly shocking that rodents tucking into more Mediterranean-inspired meals enjoyed extra benefits from four types of beneficial gut bacteria.
Yet perhaps more compelling was the discovery that these very same rats also exceeded their peers in learning tests, establishing a connection between their nutrition and superior cognitive performance.
“Our findings suggest that the Mediterranean diet or its biological effects could be harnessed to improve scholastic performance in adolescents, or work performance in young adults,” said corresponding author Dr Demetrius Maraganore in January of this year.
“While these findings are based on animal models, they echo human studies linking the Mediterranean diet to improved memory and reduced dementia risk.”
Dementia is a set of symptoms associated with a progressive decline in brain function, as defined by the NHS. It is estimated that over 944,000 people in the UK have dementia, which affects about one in every 11 people over the age of 65.
For those especially keen on following Mediterranean diet principles for potentially bolstered cognitive health, Tulane University scientists recommend five key components. These include the following:
- Lean proteins and fish
- High fibre plant produce
- Olive oil as a ‘primary fat source’
- Cut back on red meat and saturated fats
- Whole grains, fruits and vegetables
