by Understanding the biological processes of aging can help us live longer. In addition, these facts also help you stay healthier later in life. A brand new study links the rate at which our brains age to the nutrients in our diet.
Map of brain scans
Researchers at the University of Illinois and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln compared brain scans with the dietary intake of 100 volunteers between the ages of 65 and 75, looking for links between certain diets and the process of slow brain aging.
Two types of brain aging
The investigations showed many phenomena. They identified two different typologies of brain aging. The slower aging was related to nutrient intake, which may be comparable to the nutrient intake of a Mediterranean diet, which previous studies have shown to be one of the best for our bodies.
“We looked for specific nutrient biomarkers. The ones we were looking for, for example, were fatty acid profiles. “They are best known for their nutritional science, which has potential health benefits,” explained neuroscientist Aron Barbey of the University of Illinois. In addition, this incident is consistent with the extensive research in the field that demonstrates the positive effects of the Mediterranean diet on health. This type of diet emphasizes foods rich in these beneficial nutrients.
More emphasis on analysis
Importantly, the researchers studied the topic further and therefore did not rely on study participants to report their diet. Instead, they analyzed blood samples to look for nutrient biomarkers: solid scientific evidence of what these older people were eating and drinking.
What was founded?
Among the results were some very interesting tests: fatty acids, such as those found in fish and olive oil, and antioxidants such as vitamin E, found in spinach and almonds, were among the useful biomarkers identified, as were carotenoids, plant pigments in carrots and pumpkin found that have previously been found to reduce inflammation in the body and protect cells from damage. Additionally, choline, found in high concentrations in egg yolks, organ meats and raw soybeans, was another useful biomarker linked to slower aging.
The many approaches
Researchers assessed brain aging through both MRI brain scans and cognitive assessments. These two approaches provided a picture of practical mental agility along with the subtler details of the configuration of the neural system.
“This allows us to create a more informed understanding of the relationship between these factors,” comments Barbey. “At the same time, we are studying the structure, function and metabolism of the brain and proving a direct connection between these brain properties and cognitive abilities.”
Brain connections
Evidence is now accumulating that diet plays an important role in brain aging, and each new study is a new way to gain more insight into how our brains are closely linked to other parts and functions of the body.
This investigation only captured a snapshot of time and is not comprehensive enough to demonstrate cause and effect. However, similar conclusions were reached by a 2023 study that followed participants for 12 years and found a link between the Mediterranean diet and less cognitive decline.
The next research
For the following research, the team wants to examine clinical trials over a relevant period of time to find out how diet and diet might affect brain aging. It’s possible that simple changes to our diet could help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
“The present study detects certain nutrient biomarker patterns that are promising and show favorable associations with measures of cognitive performance and brain health,” commented Barbey.
