The consumption of processed, sugary, or fried foods is considered the primary bad habit that can lead to early brain aging and cognitive decline, increasing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
A new study published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer Association noted that unhealthy foods prevalent in a typical Western diet are significantly detrimental to general health compared to the Mediterranean diet, which has proven to be healthy for both the heart and the brain. During the study, researchers tracked over 5,000 people for 20 years and found that those who followed a Mediterranean diet—focused on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish, while avoiding red meats and processed or fried foods—had brains that were 5.8 years younger compared to individuals who did not adhere to this healthy diet.
The bad habits affecting brain health were highlighted by the study's authors: "We discovered that participants who experienced slower cognitive decline over the years of follow-up were those who adhered to a healthy diet close to the Mediterranean diet while limiting foods that are part of the unhealthy Western diet. Conversely, participants following the Western diet did not have the beneficial effects of healthy foods on their health; in fact, the components of their unhealthy diet contributed to acceleration in their cognitive decline and brain aging."
Dr. Pooja Agarwal, a senior researcher in the study from Rush University Medical Center, stated: "A diet focused on vegetables, fresh fruits, fish, and whole grains can positively impact a person's health. However, when it is combined with fried foods, sweets, refined grains, and red or processed meats, we observed that the benefits of consuming healthy foods were significantly diminished." Dr. Agarwal further added, "The more we incorporate leafy greens, berries, olive oil, and fish into our diets, the better it is for our brains and bodies, especially as we age."