Kale and salmon, anyone? The foods you choose for meals and snacks may help you build a stronger body and help preserve brain function.
Scientists at the National Eye Institute studied how plant-based foods of the Mediterranean diets could affect our eyes as we age. The study tracked 4,000 participants over a 10-year period, checking their brain function every few years. In addition to their eye-related research, the scientists had two key findings around brain function and aging.
People following a Mediterranean-style diet had a lower risk of brain function decline. Additionally, this type of healthy diet is associated with slower brain function decline.
The Mediterranean diet is a heart-healthy approach to eating. It focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, fish, and olive oil. In the study, eating a diet rich in fish and vegetables appeared to have the most positive effect. Study participants who ate the most fish had the slowest rate of brain function decline.
For people interested in trying out some heart- and brain-healthy recipes, visit MedlinePlus’ Healthy Recipes pages. Recipes like “Grilled Tuna with Chickpea and Spinach Salad” or “Poached Salmon” offer ways to incorporate fish, legumes, and vegetables into your meals in a delicious way.