A new study has examined the relationship between types of foods and brain aging. The results suggest that a particular dietary type can slow down aging.
Scientists regularly conduct studies to better understand the biological process of aging, to enable longer lifespans, and to show how we can stay healthier as we age. A recent study has linked certain types of foods to the rate of brain aging.
Researchers from the University of Illinois and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the United States compared the food intake and brain scan results of 100 volunteers aged between 65 and 75. They observed whether specific diets were associated with slower aging. The findings were published in the journal npj Aging.
Mediterranean Diet Slows Down Brain Aging
The study found that a diet similar to the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in olive oil, vegetables, fruits, and seafood, is associated with slower brain aging. This dietary pattern reinforces previous research indicating that the Mediterranean diet is one of the best diets for our bodies.
Supported Findings with Biomarker Analysis
Researchers not only relied on volunteers reporting their dietary habits but also directly analyzed blood samples to examine biomarkers. The results revealed that fatty acids found in fish and olive oil, vitamin E in spinach, almonds, and olive oil, and pigments in carrots and pumpkins are beneficial biomarkers for brain health. Additionally, choline found in egg yolks, soybeans, and offal was identified as beneficial.
Future Studies and Clinical Trials
While this study provides valuable insights into how certain foods may slow down brain aging, further comprehensive research is needed to confirm the results. These findings support previous research, including a separate study in 2023 that linked the Mediterranean diet to a lower rate of cognitive decline. The research team aims to gain more insights into the effects of nutrition on the brain by examining clinical trials in the future.
In Summary
The Mediterranean diet, with its emphasis on olive oil, vegetables, fruits, and seafood, shows promise in slowing down brain aging. These findings bolster the positive effects of the diet on brain health and could help us better understand the effects of nutrition on brain health through future comprehensive studies.
