Mediterranean Diet Proven To Reduce Incidence of Cognitive Impairment
A recent study published in Neurology, the official journal for the American Academy of Neurology, concluded that higher adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MeD) was associated with a lower likelihood of cognitive impairment. The study found no association between race and adherence to the MeD with cognitive impairment, but it did indicate that these results were correlated only for non-diabetic individuals. People with diabetes that participated in the study that also followed the MeD diet did not have similar results of lowered cognitive impairment.
To put it in simple terms- this examination of over 17,000 men’s and women’s dietary habits and adherence to the Mediterranean Diet indicates that non-diabetic individuals, across all races with a higher adherence to the diet had a lower incidence of cognitive impairment, at least over 4-5 years. This does not include people with diabetes mellitus, as these individuals cognitive status was not ‘protected’ by the benefits of the MeD.
What is the Mediterranean Diet?
It has been widely researched, studied and proven benefits for the brain, heart and prevention of other diseases.
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes:
- Getting plenty of exercise
- Eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts
- Replacing butter with healthy fats such as olive oil and canola oil
- Using herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor foods
- Limiting red meat to no more than a few times a month
- Eating fish and poultry at least twice a week
- Drinking red wine in moderation (optional)
A registered dietitian can help you get on track with a Mediterranean Diet. It’s more than a diet, its actually a lifestyle. sls