A recent study published in Epidemiology has revealed that Mediterranean food is not only good for physical health but for your mind as well.
Lliani Lourida, the study’s author, explained why this is so good, in a press release, which read, “Mediterranean food is both delicious and nutritious, and our systematic review shows it may help to protect the aging brain by reducing the risk of dementia. While the link between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and dementia risk is not new, ours is the first study to systematically analyze all existing evidence.
The study used data from 11 different studies – nine of which arrived at a similar conclusion that a Mediterranean diet not only improves brain functions but very importantly, prevents dementia.
So, what does the Mediterranean diet consist of?
Simply put, it is a diet containing large amounts of olive oil, fruit, fish, vegetables, beans, nuts and legumes. Although, a clear relationship between the two weren’t proved, it was clear that adhering to this diet worked against mental decline.
With that said, this systematic survey of prior studies also pointed out inconsistencies and grey areas that required further inquiry.
It also suggested that future research will be necessary to establish a causal relationship between the two. In order to achieve this, Lourida said that randomized clinical trials were necessary to provide a confirmation of this link between the two.
Apart from the list of foods mentioned above, limiting red meat, fish and poultry was important as well as drinking red wine in moderation too.