The effect of the Mediterranean diet on our brain has been revealed

Scientists in France have examined the effect of the nutritional model known as the "Mediterranean Diet" on the human brain.

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The effect of the Mediterranean diet on our brain has been revealed

Scientists have long been researching conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's. In addition to factors like our sleep patterns, stress levels, and activities, another topic that researchers are curious about is the effect of our diet on our brain. A 12-year study conducted in France, as reported by Webtekno, may provide us with some answers on this point.

The Mediterranean diet, which is preferred along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts in our country, as well as in Greece, Italy, Southern Spain, and a small part of France in Europe, is used to describe a diet based primarily on vegetables and fruits, unprocessed legumes, fish, cheeses, and olive oil. The study conducted in France shows that this type of nutrition has a positive effect on brain health.

EATING A MEDITERRANEAN DIET PREVENTS DEMENTIA

The positive effects of the Mediterranean diet on cardiovascular health were already known. In a new study conducted with 840 participants over the age of 65, it was revealed that the benefits of this diet also include contributions to brain health. First, the Mediterranean diet was divided into seven main dietary components, and a Mediterranean diet metabolomic score was created based on this classification. Thus, the researchers also determined the biomarkers they would monitor throughout the study.

Scientists examined biomarkers in this study. These small molecules, called metabolomics, which we sometimes see in tissues, cells, and other cellular components, can provide information about both diseases and past dietary choices. Scientists studying these structures also regularly administered tests to the participants. The tests, administered by five neuroscientists, were carried out every 2-3 years. These tests included both the measurement of cognitive skills and measurements such as tomography.

The data collected from the test results were also compared with the results of a control group that did not follow a Mediterranean diet. In this comparison, it was revealed that the condition of those who preferred the Mediterranean diet was better, both in terms of examination results and metabolomics indicating diseases. Moreover, it was observed that the decline in cognitive capacity of those who followed a Mediterranean diet was lower.

On the other hand, another point that drew attention in the research was that some results appeared inconsistent. According to the researchers, the reason for this is that the answers given by the participants in the surveys did not fully reflect the truth.

The research was published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research.

News Source: 12punto