Diet and our brain’s structure

What if our diet could impact our brain’s structure?

An intriguing study on the MIND diet may provide food for thought. (Link to the study)

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵:
The heart-healthy MIND diet (a fusion of the Mediterranean and DASH diets) might also impact our brain health. Recent findings from a study that observed over 26,000 individuals suggest an association between diet and specific brain structures.

𝗨𝗻𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀:
The study focused on association rather than causality. It linked strict adherence to the MIND diet with increased size in the thalamus, putamen, hippocampus, and accumbens—critical areas for cognitive function. Larger volumes in these areas are generally associated with better brain health. Participants who diligently followed the diet showed these beneficial characteristics and fewer signs typically associated with brain ageing.

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴:
Although the study’s timeframe did not show significant changes in brain markers, an association was noted with the MIND diet. Slower degeneration in the putamen and pallidum areas was observed in individuals without a particular genetic variant commonly associated with Alzheimer’s disease risk (APOE ε4).

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
• The study suggests an association, not causation, between the MIND diet and healthier brain structures.
• A specific genetic variant related to Alzheimer’s disease risk (APOE ε4) did not significantly alter the diet’s association with brain health markers.
• Further research is needed to understand the long-term impact of the MIND diet on the brain’s structure and ageing process.

This study adds to the growing conversation about how diet may be associated with cognitive health. It reminds us that our choices at the table could influence our brain health.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲?🧠🥗