A recent study conducted by Tulane University suggests that the Mediterranean diet may have brain-boosting benefits by altering the balance of bacteria in the gut. Published in Gut Microbes Reports, the study found that individuals following a Mediterranean diet displayed distinct changes in gut bacteria patterns compared to those on a typical Western diet. These changes were associated with improved memory and cognitive performance.
Lead author Rebecca Solch-Ottaiano, Ph.D., a neurology research instructor at Tulane’s Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, stated, “Our findings suggest that dietary choices can influence cognitive performance by reshaping the gut microbiome.” The study involved rats that were fed either a Mediterranean-style diet rich in olive oil, fish, and fiber or a Western diet high in saturated fats. Over 14 weeks, the rats on the Mediterranean diet showed increases in beneficial gut bacteria and decreases in harmful ones. These changes were linked to enhanced performance on memory and learning tests.
Specifically, higher levels of bacteria such as Candidatus Saccharimonas were associated with better cognitive performance, while increased levels of other bacteria like Bifidobacterium were correlated with poorer memory function. The Mediterranean diet group also exhibited better cognitive flexibility and working memory compared to the Western diet group, along with lower levels of LDL cholesterol.
The study, the first of its kind to assess the effects of the Mediterranean diet on microbiota and cognitive function outcomes in a rodent model, suggests potential benefits for young adults whose brains and bodies are still developing. Dr. Demetrius M. Maraganore, the corresponding author, highlighted the potential of the Mediterranean diet to improve scholastic performance in adolescents and work performance in young adults.
While the findings are based on animal models, they align with human studies linking the Mediterranean diet to enhanced memory and reduced dementia risk. The researchers stress the need for larger human studies to confirm these effects and understand the intricate relationship between diet, gut bacteria, and brain function in young individuals.
For those interested in adopting a Mediterranean eating pattern, key components include using olive oil as the primary fat source, consuming plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, incorporating fish and lean proteins, limiting red meat and saturated fats, and consuming high fiber from various plant sources.
The study was authored by researchers from Tulane University, including Elizabeth B. Engler-Chiurazzi, Colin Harper, Savannah Wasson, and others. More information on the study can be found in the journal Gut Microbes Reports.
In conclusion, the Mediterranean diet’s impact on gut bacteria and cognitive function highlights the potential benefits of this dietary pattern for brain health. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects and their implications for human health.
