Fri, May-03-24, 03:59
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Plan: Muscle Centric
Stats: 238/153/160
BF:
Progress: 109%
Location: UK
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New research shows 'profound' link between dietary choices and brain health
From Max Lugavere's latest newsletter:
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How FOOD impacts your brain
It's not rocket science that what we eat plays a crucial role in maintaining our physical health, and if you’re reading this newsletter, you probably know that our diet also has a profound impact on our mental well-being. The food we consume isn't just a source of energy; it's the literal raw material that our bodies use to build and repair tissues, regulate various bodily processes, and support our immune system (no pressure!!!).
Although it's widely accepted that our diet impacts our physical health, the notion that it directly influences brain health is unfortunately less acknowledged by conventional medicine and society at large. The brain, like any other organ in the body, relies on nutrients from food to function optimally. Would you rather fuel your brain with organic blueberries or a bag of Doritos? Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals play crucial roles in brain health, affecting neurotransmitter function, synaptic plasticity, and neuroprotection. Fortunately, ongoing research is shedding light on the intricate relationship between diet and brain health. This research not only enhances our understanding of how dietary choices impact cognitive function and mental health but also opens up new possibilities for dietary interventions to improve brain health and overall well-being.
A recent 2024 study examined how food preferences and dietary choices influence our health, including risk for chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and most interestingly - our mental health and cognitive abilities. In this study, researchers collected data on food preferences from a large dataset of participants in the UK Biobank. Food preferences were then categorized into various groups and then into dietary patterns. They found four main dietary patterns among participants: one with fewer starchy foods, one vegetarian, one with high protein and low fiber, and one balanced diet. The dietary preferences and patterns were then compared with cognitive function, mental health, blood markers, and brain imaging traits of each participant. Those who ate more vegetables and fruits tended to have BETTER mental health scores! The results also suggested the importance of dietary fiber. Those who consumed a high protein, low fiber diet had LOWER well-being scores. Compared to those who consumed a less-varied diet, a well-balanced diet was associated with stronger mental health, improved cognitive functions, and higher amounts of gray matter in the brain, which is linked to intelligence. Although the quality of food was less of a focus in this study and there are many potential confounders with each of the dietary patterns studied, the important takeaway is that our diet is UNDENIABLY linked to our cognitive function and brain health. Personally, I'd prefer my brain to be fueled by foods like grass-fed beef, leafy greens, and berries rather than fast food and ultra-processed junk.
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New research shows 'profound' link between dietary choices and brain health
New research has highlighted the profound link between dietary choices and brain health
New research has highlighted the profound link between dietary choices and brain health.
Published in Nature, the research showed that a healthy, balanced diet was linked to superior brain health, cognitive function and mental wellbeing. The study, involving researchers at the University of Warwick, sheds light on how our food preferences not only influence physical health but also significantly impact brain health.
The dietary choices of a large sample of 181,990 participants from the UK Biobank were analysed against and a range of physical evaluations, including cognitive function, blood metabolic biomarkers, brain imaging, and genetics -- unveiling new insights into the relationship between nutrition and overall wellbeing.
The food preferences of each participant were collected via an online questionnaire, which the team catagorised into 10 groups (such as alcohol, fruits and meats). A type of AI called machine learning helped the researchers analyse the large dataset.
A balanced diet was associated with better mental health, superior cognitive functions and even higher amounts of grey matter in the brain -- linked to intelligence -- compared with those with a less varied diet.
The study also highlighted the need for gradual dietary modifications, particularly for individuals accustomed to highly palatable but nutritionally deficient foods. By slowly reducing sugar and fat intake over time, individuals may find themselves naturally gravitating towards healthier food choices.
Genetic factors may also contribute to the association between diet and brain health, the scientists believe, showing how a combination of genetic predispositions and lifestyle choices shape wellbeing.
Lead Author Professor Jianfeng Feng, University of Warwick, emphasised the importance of establishing healthy food preferences early in life. He said: "Developing a healthy balanced diet from an early age is crucial for healthy growth. To foster the development of a healthy balanced diet, both families and schools should offer a diverse range of nutritious meals and cultivate an environment that supports their physical and mental health."
Addressing the broader implications of the research, Prof Feng emphasized the role of public policy in promoting accessible and affordable healthy eating options. "Since dietary choices can be influenced by socioeconomic status, it's crucial to ensure that this does not hinder individuals from adopting a healthy balanced dietary profile," he stated. "Implementing affordable nutritious food policies is essential for governments to empower the general public to make informed and healthier dietary choices, thereby promoting overall public health."
Co-Author Wei Cheng, Fudan University, added: "Our findings underscore the associations between dietary patterns and brain health, urging for concerted efforts in promoting nutritional awareness and fostering healthier eating habits across diverse populations."
Dr Richard Pemberton, Certified Lifestyle Physician and GP, Hexagon Health, who was not involved in the stud, commented: "This exciting research further demonstrates that a poor diet detrimentally impacts not only our physical health but also our mental and brain health. This study supports the need for urgent government action to optimise health in our children, protecting future generations. We also hope this provides further evidence to motivate us all to make better lifestyle choices, to improve our health and reduce the risk of developing chronic disease."
Journal Reference:
Ruohan Zhang, Bei Zhang, Chun Shen, Barbara J. Sahakian, Zeyu Li, Wei Zhang, Yujie Zhao, Yuzhu Li, Jianfeng Feng, Wei Cheng. Associations of dietary patterns with brain health from behavioral, neuroimaging, biochemical and genetic analyses. Nature Mental Health, 2024; DOI: 10.1038/s44220-024-00226-0
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releas...40424111638.htm
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