Researchers found that a Mediterranean diet is not only good for blood sugar, but can also slow age-related brain shrinkage.
Die Studypublished in the November issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed that lowering HbA1c – a marker of long-term blood sugar control – helps keep the brain young by reducing the shrinkage of key brain regions such as the hippocampus, Thalamus and cerebellum slows down.
Iris Shai, the study’s lead researcher and visiting professor of nutritional sciences at Harvard University, said in an interview that the results suggest the Mediterranean diet is one of the best diets for brain health, primarily because of its benefits for blood sugar control. This diet includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds and olive oil, as well as moderate amounts of fish and poultry.
Nutrition for a healthy brain
The researchers examined the brain health of the study participants before and after the diet change using magnetic resonance imaging. People who improved their brain health through diet changes within 18 months also showed better levels of blood sugar, insulin resistance, fasting blood sugar and inflammatory markers.
Shai emphasized that we could better protect the brain in the long term if we pay attention to stable blood sugar control.
“Diet is an essential component: We have found that a diet rich in fiber, antioxidants and healthy fats, low in processed foods and sugar, supports blood sugar control. Such a nutritional approach could be a simple and effective way to promote brain health as we age,” she said.
Although further research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms of action, the results point to new approaches that could specifically promote brain health through nutrition.
This article does not replace medical advice. If you have any health questions, please contact your doctor or pharmacist.
First appeared on theepochtimes.com under the title „50 Percent Slower Brain Aging Linked to Blood Sugar Control on a Mediterranean Diet“. (German adaptation kr)
