Mediterranean Diet Helps Memory

The Mediterranean diet is among the most well-studied diets. And, why wouldn’t it be? The health benefits of the diet are proven time and time again, including addressing:

• Metabolic syndrome
• Obesity
• Elevated blood pressure
• Blood sugar
• Abnormal lipids
• Markers of vascular inflammation

Men living in the Mediterranean have the lowest incidence of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and the longest life expectancy, according to The Seven Countries Study. The Alzheimer’s Disease Study showed that the Mediterranean diet decreased the Alzheimer’s by 68%.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine demonstrated improved memory with the Mediterranean diet. This study compared three different groups of subjects. Two groups followed the Mediterranean diet with either added nuts (30 g of walnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds) or 5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil a day. The third group followed a low-fat diet. Even though a small number of participants were followed (447), memory was stronger in the Mediterranean group that ate added nuts, while attention, executive function and overall cognition was improved in the group that following the Mediterranean diet plus olive oil.

The Mediterranean diet is low in saturated and trans fats, discourages refined sugars and processed foods, is high in vitamins, fiber, and most importantly, high in antioxidants. Besides nuts and olive oil, the Mediterranean diet also emphasizes whole (not refined) grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, fish, and moderate consumption of red wine.

At Preventative Wellness MD, we strive to help women and address all aspects of their health, including balanced nutriton.  You can learn more about nutritional counseling and supplements at Preventative Wellness MD of Hartford or schedule your first consultation with Dr. Anita Petruzzelli and her team to begin your journey to living healthier right now.