As we age, our brains can begin to show signs of cognitive decline, but new research suggests that a healthy diet may help slow this process down. A study published in the journal Natural aging indicates that individuals with slower cognitive aging share a common combination of nutrients in their bodies.
The Mediterranean diet, which includes a high intake of seasonal plant foods, olive oil, dairy, fish or poultry, and limited red meat consumption, is said to be beneficial for brain health and slowing aging. Associate Professor of Molecular Nutrition at UEA, David Vossour, commented on the importance of nutrition in brain aging.
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln conducted a study involving 100 participants aged 65 to 75, analyzing their blood biomarkers, cognitive function, and brain imaging. They found that individuals with a specific nutrient profile in their blood showed slower brain aging than expected.
The nutrients that contribute to healthy brain aging include fatty acids, antioxidants, carotenoids, vitamin E, and choline. The researchers believe that these findings could lead to potential nutraceutical treatments that mimic the benefits of the Mediterranean diet.
Future studies will aim to test how specific nutrient interventions could improve brain health in aging individuals. Dr. David Vossour, an expert in Molecular Nutrition at UEA, focuses on strategies to slow brain aging and cognitive decline.
Source: www.sciencefocus.com
