Which nutrients slow down brain aging?

A new study has linked the rate of brain aging to nutrients in our diet.

Anti-aging diet

Researchers from the University of Illinois and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln mapped brain scans, based on the nutritional intake of 100 volunteers between the ages of 65 and 75, looking for links between certain diets and slower brain aging.

Scientists have identified two distinct types of brain aging. Slower rates of aging were linked to nutrient intakes similar to those from the Mediterranean diet – which has been shown in previous studies to be one of the best diets for the body.

“We looked at specific nutritional biomarkers, such as fatty acid composition, that are known in nutritional science to have potential health benefits,” said neuroscientist Aron Barbey, from the University of Illinois.

“This is consistent with extensive research in the field demonstrating the positive health effects of the Mediterranean diet,” he added.

Importantly, the scientists did not rely on study participants reporting their diets. Instead, they analyzed blood samples to look for nutritional biomarkers. This provides solid scientific evidence of what these older adults ate and drank.

Fatty acids, such as those found in fish and olive oil, and antioxidants such as vitamin E, found in spinach and almonds, are among the beneficial biomarkers identified, as are carotenoids — plant pigments found in carrots and pumpkins that have previously been found to reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage.

Another beneficial biomarker linked to slower aging is choline, which is found in high concentrations in egg yolks, organ meats, and raw soybeans.

Nutrition plays an important role

The researchers assessed brain aging using both MRI scans and cognitive assessments. This pair of approaches provided a picture of actual neuroplasticity, along with finer details about neuronal configuration.

“The study allowed us to build a deeper understanding of the relationship between these factors,” said Barbey. “We simultaneously examined brain structure, function and metabolism, demonstrating a direct link between brain properties and cognitive ability.”

There is now a growing body of evidence that nutrition plays a major role in brain aging. Each new study provides a deeper understanding of how the brain is intricately connected to every other part and function of the body. This research is only a snapshot in time and not comprehensive enough to prove cause and effect.

However, a 2023 study came to a similar conclusion, following participants for 12 years and also found a link between a Mediterranean diet (which includes eating more fish — white and oily fish, less red meat, and lots of fruits and vegetables, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and whole grains) and lower rates of cognitive decline.

Next, the team wants to look at clinical trials over a significant period of time to see how diet and nutrition can influence brain aging. It may be that simple dietary adjustments can help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

“The current study identifies specific nutritional biomarker patterns that are promising and positively associated with measures of cognitive performance and brain health,” Barbey explained. The study was published in the journal npj Aging .

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/chat-dinh-duong-nao-lam-cham-qua-trinh-lao-hoa-nao-20240524140952718.htm