The Mediterranean diet continues to be proven to be beneficial for overall health.
Researchers at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans recently discovered that diet is associated with improved memory by balancing gut bacteria.
The study, published in the journal Gut Microbe Reports, fed rats a Mediterranean-style diet for 14 weeks. This includes olive oil, fish, and fiber-rich foods.
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Compared to rats who ate a Western diet high in saturated fat, rats who ate a Mediterranean diet had an increase in four types of beneficial gut bacteria and a decrease in five others.
Researchers at Tulane University School of Medicine recently discovered that the Mediterranean diet is associated with improved memory through balanced bacteria in the gut. (St. Petersburg)
The rats were then given the task of navigating a series of mazes that tested their memory.
People on a Mediterranean diet showed improved performance on a maze task.
“This study confirms how the foods we choose can have a profound impact on our gut microbiome and, in turn, our cognitive performance.”
The researchers reasoned that people who follow a Mediterranean diet have different patterns of gut bacteria compared to those who follow a “typical Western diet,” and that these changes in their gut are associated with learning and memory. .
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“Our results suggest a possible relationship between diet-modulated microbiota, peripheral immune function, and cognitive function,” the study concluded.
“Further research is needed to identify causal relationships between diet-regulated gut microbiota, immune function, and cognitive function and to investigate additional brain mechanisms.”
A study suggests that the gut microbiome developed through certain dietary choices may improve cognitive function. (St. Petersburg)
The Mediterranean diet group also demonstrated improved cognitive flexibility and working memory, and maintained lower levels of “bad” cholesterol.
Corey Migrant, a registered dietitian at California-based Welltheory who was not involved in the study, shared his reaction.
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“As a nutritionist, I'm excited to see more evidence highlighting the incredible power of the Mediterranean diet on not only heart health, but brain health,” she told FOX News Digital.
“This study confirms how the foods we choose can have a profound impact on our gut microbiome and, in turn, our cognitive performance.”
The Mediterranean diet group demonstrated improved cognitive flexibility and working memory, and maintained lower levels of “bad” cholesterol. (St. Petersburg)
Migrant said gut health is considered the “foundation of overall health” because it affects “everything from immunity to mental health.”
“The Mediterranean diet is a great option to support this important system,” she continued. “It's full of bright, flavorful foods that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine with simple adjustments.”
“The Mediterranean diet is associated with a 50% lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia.”
In an interview with Fox News Digital, study co-author Demetrius Malaganore, MD, PhD, professor of neurology at Tulane University, highlighted the differences in cognitive function and gut bacterial composition between Mediterranean and Western diets.
He told Fox News Digital that the reduction in gut bacterial diversity and overgrowth of bacterial species due to a Western diet is similar to what is observed in Alzheimer's patients.
Researchers aim to develop new treatments to use nutrition and the gut microbiome to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease. (St. Petersburg)
Experts have pointed out that adhering to the Mediterranean diet can improve academic and work performance.
“The Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia by 50%, and promotes higher overall intelligence, memory and executive function throughout life,” he said.
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To adopt a more Mediterranean-style diet, Migrant suggested these simple steps.
- Please replace butter with olive oil
- add more vegetables to your meals
- Try plant-based proteins like lentils and chickpeas
- Enjoy fish several times a week
- Snack on nuts and fresh fruit instead of ultra-processed foods
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“It's about celebrating real, whole foods while keeping things flexible and fun,” she said.
Migrant acknowledged that access to fresh produce and Mediterranean staples can be difficult for some people, but noted that diets don't have to be “all or nothing.” .
Nutritionists recommended adding more fish and vegetables to the daily diet, as well as nuts, fresh fruits and olive oil. (St. Petersburg)
“You can start with small, affordable swaps, such as canned fish, frozen vegetables, and whole grains, and gradually shift your focus to more plant-based foods,” he suggested.
“The goal is to make nutritious options more accessible, regardless of circumstance, while prioritizing the connection between food and health.”
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In future research, the Tulane team aims to develop new treatments to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease by harnessing nutrition and changes in the gut microbiome, Maraganol said.
