Changing your diet could help preserve your brain as you age, a new study suggests. Researchers found that following a Mediterranean-style diet rich in green plants, tea, and nuts may slow age-related brain shrinkage by as much as 50 percent. The key appears to be maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
The study, published in the November issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed that reductions in HbA1c, a marker of long-term blood glucose control, were linked to less shrinkage in crucial brain regions like the hippocampus, thalamus, and cerebellum. The researchers tracked changes in brain health through whole-brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements before and after the intervention. The results showed that maintaining stable blood sugar levels could play a crucial role in slowing brain aging, according to Shai.
People who improved their brain health over 18 months also saw improvements in blood sugar, insulin resistance, fasting glucose, and inflammation markers. “When blood sugar is well-controlled, the brain appears less vulnerable to aging-related changes,” she explained. “This connection is particularly relevant, as high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and lead to inflammation, both of which are linked to cognitive decline.
” Shai noted that by focusing on managing blood sugar, we may be able to protect the brain more effectively over time. “Diet is a big part of this: We found that diets rich in fiber, antioxidants, and heal.
