Following the MIND diet may slow brain shrinkage and gray matter loss, delaying aging by about 2.5 years, ScienceDaily reports, according to infohub.kz.
The MIND diet combines principles of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). It calls for regular consumption of leafy greens, vegetables, berries, nuts, whole grains, fish, legumes, olive oil, and poultry. At the same time, it recommends cutting back on butter, cheese, red meat, sweets, and fried fast food.
The large-scale study lasted 12 years and involved 1,647 people. Researchers regularly performed brain MRI scans on the volunteers and analyzed their diets. They found that in people who followed this diet, gray matter volume declined noticeably more slowly. Berries and poultry showed the most pronounced positive effect. Sweets and fried foods, by contrast, were linked to faster loss of brain tissue.
The diet's beneficial effect was stronger in older adults, as well as in those who lead an active lifestyle and do not have excess weight. The authors emphasize that the observational study did not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship, but the results confirm the importance of a proper diet for protecting the nervous system.