Brain and memory are boosted by eating one particular diet
The Mediterranean diet has long been hailed for its numerous health benefits, and a recent study conducted by researchers at the Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans has shed light on yet another advantage of this popular eating plan – improved memory through balanced gut bacteria.
Published in the journal Gut Microbe Reports, the study involved feeding rats a Mediterranean-style diet rich in olive oil, fish, and fiber over a 14-week period. The results showed that the rats on the Mediterranean diet exhibited increases in four types of beneficial gut bacteria and decreases in five other types, compared to those on a Western diet high in saturated fat.
Following the diet, the rats were put through a series of maze challenges to test their memory. The Mediterranean diet group showed improved performance in the maze tasks, indicating a positive impact on cognitive function.
Lead researcher Demetrius Maraganore, MD, a neurology professor at Tulane University, emphasized the significant difference in cognitive function and gut microbial compositions between those following the Mediterranean and Western diets. He highlighted that the Western diet’s reduced gut bacterial diversity and overgrowth of bacterial species mirror observations in Alzheimer’s patients.
Maraganore also pointed out that adopting a Mediterranean diet may not only reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia but also enhance global intelligence, memory function, and executive function.
Registered dietitian nutritionist Cory Mygrant, who was not involved in the study, commended the findings, stating, “As a dietitian, I’m thrilled to see more evidence highlighting the Mediterranean diet’s incredible power, not just for heart health but also for brain health.”
She recommended simple steps to incorporate Mediterranean-style eating habits, such as swapping butter for olive oil, adding extra servings of vegetables to meals, experimenting with plant-based proteins, enjoying fish a few times a week, and snacking on nuts or fresh fruits instead of processed foods.
While access to fresh produce and Mediterranean staples may pose challenges for some, Mygrant emphasized that the diet can be tailored to individual circumstances by making affordable swaps and gradually increasing the focus on plant-based foods.
In future research, the Tulane team aims to develop innovative therapies for preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease by leveraging nutrition and gut microbiome changes. The study underscores the profound impact of dietary choices on gut health and cognitive performance, highlighting the importance of the Mediterranean diet as a tool for supporting overall well-being.
To stay updated on the latest health news and tips, visit www.foxnews.com/health and consider making small changes to your diet to reap the benefits of the Mediterranean lifestyle.
