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Scientists identify specific diet that ‘slows down’ the process of aging
Scientists at Columbia University highlighted a specific kind of diet that slows down the body’s natural aging process.
Though completely halting aging is still science fiction, the quest for the fountain of youth is constantly expanding into new areas. The latest research even suggests that the types of foods we eat can affect brain health and overall cognitive decline.
The diet slows down aging and reduces dementia risk
Published in the Annals of Neurology, the new study looked at how a healthy diet can combat the onset of dementia and biological aging.
Much attention to nutrition in dementia research focuses on the way specific nutrients affect the brain. We tested the hypothesis that healthy diet protects against dementia by slowing down the bodys overall pace of biological aging, said lead author Daniel Belsky.
To better understand the true effects, researchers used the Framingham Heart Study which initially started way back in 1971. The standout diet method was the Mediterranean-Dash Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, also known as MIND.
Those who adhered more strictly to the MIND diet experienced slower aging and a reduced chance of both dementia and mortality.
What is the Mediterranean MIND diet?
The MIND diet combines the typical Mediterranean way of eating and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH). It prioritizes cognitive health above everything else.
Though exact meal plans differ from person to person, they usually include leafy greens, berries, vegetables, nuts, olive oil, whole grains, fish, beans, poultry, and wine.
In general, and largely down to TikTok, the Mediterranean diet has gained a massive amount of support in recent months. It has also been linked to the world’s blue zones, where people typically live longer, healthier lives.
