There is nothing new about the advice to “eat your greens.” Most likely we heard it from our moms. Most recently, we have heard it from nutrition experts, especially with the emphasis on plant-based eating. To me, the most compelling reason is this: high consumption of leafy green vegetables is linked to a lower risk of dementia.
New Study Shows Leafy Green Benefits
In a 2023 study (1) published in the peer-reviewed journal, Neurology, researchers from the Rush Medical Center analyzed the post-mortem brain pathology of 581 study participants to analyze evidence of Alzheimer’s disease. Their dietary habits have been studied for years as part of the Rush Memory and Aging Project. The study showed that higher adherence to the MIND or Mediterranean diets was associated with a reduced amount of beta-amyloid plaque that is one of the hallmark indicators of Alzheimer’s. The dietary component that was most significantly associated with reduced beta-amyloid plaque was leafy greens. Higher consumption equals less plaque. While this observational study demonstrates correlation, not causation, it is another compelling piece of research showing that diet matters when it comes to brain health.
“Our finding that eating more green leafy vegetables is in itself associated with fewer signs of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain is intriguing enough for people to consider adding more of these vegetables to their diet.”
Learn More About Brain Health
Our Spring 2023 Wellness Wednesday will emphasize steps we can take to keep our brains healthy. On April 12th, Quinn Kennedy, PhD shares Maintaining Good Cognitive Health In Late Adulthood. On May 24th, Annie Fenn, MD, the founder of The Brain Health Kitchen, shares Brain Healthy Eating: Food vs. Supplements. All programs are at 11 am and will be recorded.