The Mediterranean diet promotes brain health - reduces the risk of age-related disabilities, according to US scientists.
Brain scan results show that consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and fish reduces the risk of developing lesions that are associated with the development of cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer's disease.
A team from the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami tracks eating habits and studies the brain health of 1,000 people.
It turns out that people who adhere to the Mediterranean diet have a lower risk of brain damage. The researchers also take into account factors such as physical activity, smoking, blood lipid levels, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a history of heart disease. Eating in this way also maintains a healthy weight, the results show.
Some researchers believe that diet preserves the health of gray brain cells because it helps reduce inflammatory processes in the body. According to others, the benefits for the brain are due to the high intake of antioxidants.
Previous research has shown that strict adherence to the Mediterranean diet may be helpful in preventing memory loss and Alzheimer's disease.
The Mediterranean diet has also been shown to reduce the risk of cancer and help maintain heart health. It is believed to regulate blood pressure and the ratio of good to bad cholesterol in the blood.
According to nutritionists, the Mediterranean diet also improves vascular function. It affects the flexibility of cells on the surface of the walls of blood vessels, especially the heart.
The results are published in the Archives of Neurology medical journal .