REUS, Spain, October 11, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --
A recent observational study, which was
carried out between 2005 and 2015 with 4,213 participants from the
Rotterdam Study, links a healthy diet with better brain health. In
particular, a diet based on vegetables, fruit, nuts (21.8 g/day),
whole grains, dairy, fish and a limited intake of sugary beverages
is associated with larger brain tissue volumes and thus may help
promote brain health. The results highlight the potential of
nutrition to influence cognition and the risk of developing
dementia through brain health[1].
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Similarly, a scientific review reveals
that almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts - which provide a wide range of
nutrients and phytochemicals - may affect several pathways involved
in Alzheimer's disease, such as oxidative stress,
cholesterol-lowering and anti-inflammatory
properties[2]. Healthy eating patterns, characterized by
high consumption of plant-based foods, probiotics, antioxidants,
soy beans, nuts, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and a low
intake of saturated fats, animal-derived proteins, and refined
sugars, have been shown to decrease the risk of neurocognitive
impairments and the eventual onset of Alzheimer's
disease[3].
Diet is therefore an important changeable risk factor for brain
diseases, especially dementia. Aging-associated diseases, including
neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (the most
common type of dementia) are on the rise as a result of increased
lifespan.
About the International Nut & Dried Fruit
Council
INC members include more than 800 nut and dried fruit sector
companies from over 70 countries. INC is the leading international
organization on health, nutrition, statistics, food safety, and
international standards and regulations regarding nuts and dried
fruit.
[1]. Croll, P. H., Voortman, T., Ikram, M. A.,
Franco, O. H., Schoufour, J. D., Bos, D., & Vernooij, M. W.
(2018). Better diet quality relates to larger brain tissue volumes:
The Rotterdam Study. Neurology, 10-1212.
[2]. Gorji, N., Moeini, R., & Memariani, Z.
(2017). Almond, hazelnut and walnut, three nuts for neuroprotection
in Alzheimer's disease: A neuropharmacological review of their
bioactive constituents. Pharmacological research.
[3]. Pistollato, F., Iglesias, R. C., Ruiz, R.,
Aparicio, S., Crespo, J., Lopez, L. D., ... & Battino, M.
(2018). Nutritional patterns associated with the maintenance of
neurocognitive functions and the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's
disease: A focus on human studies. Pharmacological research.