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Expert reveal how MIND diet slows brain aging
Research explains how specific dietary patterns correlate with reduced loss of vital grey matter
New research indicates that adhering to the MIND diet can slow brain ageing by an equivalent of two and a half years. In a study of over 1,600 adults, those following these habits lost less grey matter, which is the tissue essential for memory and decision-making.
Foods like berries and poultry reduce oxidative stress and mitigate neuronal damage, while avoiding fried foods prevents vascular damage that contributes to cognitive decline.
High adherence to these guidelines also correlates with lower ventricular enlargement, a primary marker of brain atrophy.
The data from Zhejiang University School of Medicine revealed unexpected quirks that challenge some standard dietary guidelines.
For instance, higher cheese intake was linked to slower brain health decline, even though the MIND diet traditionally suggests limiting it.
Conversely, wholegrains were surprisingly associated with faster grey matter reduction in this specific sample.
These results suggest that external factors such as genetics or sleep quality, which were not specifically tracked, may influence how specific foods affect individual neurological health.
As global populations age, experts suggest the MIND diet represents an accessible strategy to combat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Promoting these guidelines as part of standard dietary recommendations could significantly improve long-term brain health and reduce the growing burden of cognitive decline.
