Can a Mediterranean Diet Boost Your Brain Health?
New research suggests that the Mediterranean diet not only balances sugar levels but also enhances memory and cognitive function in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
(Photo: shutterstock)A new study conducted at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in the USA, and published in the scientific journal Diabetes Care, explored whether the positive effects of a Mediterranean diet on cognitive function are influenced by the presence of type 2 diabetes.
Previous studies have already demonstrated that a Mediterranean diet, which includes vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats, helps improve brain and heart health and lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
In this study, participants were monitored over a period of two years, during which their eating habits, cognitive function, and memory were assessed, alongside tests to determine if they were diabetic.
The study findings showed that individuals with type 2 diabetes who adhered to a Mediterranean diet exhibited improved cognitive function compared to those with different dietary habits. This cognitive improvement was apparent in those with type 2 diabetes and in participants whose blood sugar levels were well-controlled at the beginning of the study, as well as in those whose levels improved during the study. Additionally, even non-diabetic participants who followed a healthy diet saw memory enhancement.
Dr. Josiemer Mattei, who led the study, stated: "A healthy Mediterranean diet consists of meals rich in fruits and vegetables, which have high antioxidant levels, along with fish and oils that contain healthy fats. These nutrients help preserve cognitive function by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain."
Although the method used in this study cannot definitively prove that a Mediterranean diet is superior to other diets, the research suggests it may offer advantages for people with type 2 diabetes. It is also recommended that individuals with type 2 diabetes use a continuous glucose monitor to gain a clearer and more personalized understanding of factors impacting their blood sugar levels, serving as an effective tool for achieving blood sugar balance goals.
Dina Roitman is a clinical dietitian at the DMC Diabetes Center
