Balanced diet more beneficial for brain health, study finds
Advertisement
A study published in the journal Nature Mental Health explored how dietary patterns impacted a number of areas of brain health, including mental health, cognitive function, metabolic biomarkers, and brain structure as measured using MRI.
People can develop preferences for certain foods, which can impact overall dietary patterns over time. Recently, growing evidence has highlighted the profound impact of dietary patterns on health, including chronic medical diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cancer, as well as mental health and/or cognitive impairments such as major depression disorders and anxiety.
Previous research has confirmed the significant connection between diet and mental health, particularly cognitive functions. For instance, a systematic review found that a higher intake of simple carbohydrates is linked to lower cognitive performance. Saturated fatty acids are associated with impaired memory and learning and protein intake may improve executive function and working memory.
In the study, researchers analyzed UK Biobank data on food preferences across categories like dairy, fruits, alcohol, and vegetables. They studied how these preferences related to various brain-related outcomes, including mental health indicators like anxiety and depression symptoms, cognitive function, blood biochemistry, brain structure via MRI, and genetic risk scores for mental disorders.
Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.