A recent study conducted by Ben-Gurion University suggests that adopting a Green Mediterranean Diet can effectively slow down the aging process of the brain. Researchers found that even a modest 1% reduction in body weight over an 18-month period can make the brain appear nearly 9 months younger. These findings hold great promise for combating obesity-related brain aging and provide a means to assess the impact of lifestyle changes on brain health.
The study, part of the larger DIRECT-PLUS trial, demonstrated the positive effects of switching to a Green Mediterranean Diet on brain health. Led by Prof. Iris Shai of Ben-Gurion University, in collaboration with Harvard School of Public Health and University of Leipzig, the trial involved 300 participants over an extended period of 18 months. Within this trial, Prof. Galia Avidan from the Department of Psychology and Dr. Gidon Levakov, a former graduate student from the Department of Cognitive and Brain Sciences, conducted a sub-study focusing on brain health.
Obesity has been shown to accelerate brain aging, and the study aimed to measure this process by calculating participants’ “brain age” based on detailed scans, irrespective of their chronological age. The research team analyzed 102 individuals who met the criteria for obesity, conducting brain scans and various other measurements at the beginning and end of the trial. The results revealed that a mere 1% reduction in body weight resulted in a brain age almost 9 months younger than expected after the 18-month period. These changes were accompanied by improvements in other biological markers, such as reduced liver fat and liver enzyme production, both of which have been linked to negative effects on brain health, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease.
“Our study underscores the significance of adopting a healthy lifestyle, including reducing the consumption of processed foods, sweets, and beverages, to maintain optimal brain health,” says Dr. Levakov. Prof. Avidan further emphasizes, “It is encouraging to find that even a modest weight loss of 1% can have a significant impact on brain health, leading to a 9-month reduction in brain age.”
These findings highlight the potential of lifestyle interventions, particularly those promoting weight loss, to positively influence the aging trajectory of the brain in individuals affected by obesity. Future research will focus on determining whether slowing down obesity-related brain aging leads to better clinical outcomes. Additionally, this study provides a promising strategy for evaluating the effectiveness of lifestyle changes on brain health. Given the global rise in obesity rates, identifying interventions that positively impact brain health can have significant clinical, educational, and social implications.
The DIRECT-PLUS trial research team introduced the concept of the Green-Mediterranean diet, which is characterized by a higher intake of dietary polyphenols (plant compounds that offer various health benefits) and a reduced consumption of red and processed meat. In addition to daily consumption of walnuts, the participants in this diet group incorporated 3-4 cups of green tea and a daily serving of Wolffia-globosa (Mankai) plant green shake made from duckweed. Mankai, an aquatic green plant, is rich in bioavailable iron, B12, 200 types of polyphenols, and protein, making it a suitable meat substitute.
This groundbreaking research was funded by various grants, including those from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Rosetrees Trust, Israel Ministry of Health, Israel Ministry of Science and Technology, and the California Walnuts Commission. It is important to note that none of the funding providers were involved in the study’s design, execution, or analysis, and they had no access to the study results before publication.
Reference: Levakov, G., Kaplan, A., Meir, A. Y., Rinott, E., Tsaban, G., Zelicha, H., Blüher, M., Ceglarek, U., Stumvoll, M., Shelef, I., Avidan, G., & Shai, I. (2023). The effect of weight loss following 18 months of lifestyle intervention on brain age assessed with resting-state functional connectivity. eLife, 83604. DOI: 10.7554/eLife.83604
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about brain health
What is the Green Mediterranean Diet?
The Green Mediterranean Diet is a modified version of the traditional Mediterranean diet that emphasizes higher intake of dietary polyphenols and lower consumption of red and processed meat. It includes foods such as walnuts, green tea, and a plant green shake made from duckweed.
How does the Green Mediterranean Diet impact brain health?
Research from Ben-Gurion University suggests that adopting a Green Mediterranean Diet can slow down brain aging. Even a small weight loss of 1% over an 18-month period was found to make the brain appear nearly 9 months younger. The diet’s focus on healthy, whole foods and reduced consumption of processed items contributes to improved brain health.
What were the key findings of the study?
The study found that a 1% reduction in body weight resulted in participants’ brains appearing almost 9 months younger than expected after 18 months. This reduction in brain aging was associated with other positive changes, including decreased liver fat and liver enzyme production.
How was the study conducted?
The study was part of the larger DIRECT-PLUS trial, a long-term clinical trial involving 300 participants. Brain scans were taken at the beginning and end of the trial to assess the impact of the lifestyle intervention on brain aging. Various measurements and tests were also conducted to evaluate other biological processes affected by obesity.
Are there any other benefits of the Green Mediterranean Diet?
Apart from its potential impact on brain health, the Green Mediterranean Diet offers various health benefits associated with the consumption of dietary polyphenols. These benefits include improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and better overall well-being.
Can lifestyle changes positively impact brain health?
Yes, lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet like the Green Mediterranean Diet and promoting weight loss, have been shown to positively influence brain health. The study highlights the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including lower consumption of processed foods and sweets, in maintaining optimal brain health.
How can these findings be applied in real life?
The findings suggest that making dietary changes, such as switching to a Green Mediterranean Diet, and achieving even modest weight loss can have significant benefits for brain health. Incorporating more whole foods, reducing processed food intake, and embracing a balanced, nutrient-rich diet can contribute to healthier brain aging.
