New Study Shows This Diet Can 'De-Age' Your Brain By Nearly A Year: All You Should Know About It
New research says switching to a diet full of veggies and low in processed foods can work like magic for your brain's biological age. According to a new study from the University of Negev in Israel, the diet can slow signs of accelerated brain ageing exhibited in obesity.
What does the study show?
The research shows that eating a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, seafood, and whole grains appears to slow the signs of accelerated brain ageing typically seen in obesity with as little as 1 per cent loss in body weight, Science Alert reported.
The diet, which originated along the coastlines of Italy, Greece, parts of Spain, France and other Middle Eastern and North African countries, highlights fresh produce, lean proteins and olive oil rich in antioxidants.
The study found that this diet appeared to slow the brain's ageing by nearly nine months compared with its chronological age.
How was the study conducted?
For the study, the researchers imaged the brains of 102 participants and took brain scans before any lifestyle changes were made.The brain scans were taken after 18 months, along with a battery of tests of liver function, cholesterol levels, and body weight.
Groups ate one of three diets: a Mediterranean diet with lots of nuts, fish, and chicken instead of red meat; a Mediterranean diet with a few added extras such as green tea for the polyphenols; or a diet based on healthy dietary guidelines.
The researchers analysed blood biomarkers, fat deposition and body mass index in addition to testing liver function, cholesterol levels and body weight. They then monitored changes in the brain over the course of the study, New Post reported.
Why?are?the findings significant?
The researchers found that the people on the trail lost around 2.3 kilograms.?For every 1 per cent of body weight lost, the participant's brains appeared 9 months younger than their chronological age.
What's more, slowed brain ageing was exhibited when participants followed Mediterranean diets which were associated with lower levels of liver fat and improved lipid profile. This new study shows that improving your diet may be one of the simplest options for improving your body condition, irrespective of the years.
Lead author and neuroscientist Gidon Levakov of the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel said, "Our study highlights the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including lower consumption of processed food, sweets, and beverages, in maintaining brain health."
However, the study had its limitations, as most participants were female. The study has been published in eLife.
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