Oct 30, 2013 1:34 PM EDT
Elena Paravantes
A group of Greek researchers conducted a review of 22 studies and found that adherence to a Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of stroke, depression, cognitive impairment, and Parkinson disease.
The study published in the journal Annals of Neurology lead by Theodora Psaltopoulou, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine at the University of Athens School of Medicine, was a meta-analysis of eligible studies that covered stroke, Parkinson’s disease, cognitive impairment and depression. The researchers found that high adherence to the Mediterranean diet was consistently associated with reduced risk of stroke, depression and cognitive impairment. Moderate adherence was associated mostly with a reduced risk of depression and cognitive impairment but not so much for stroke.
The researchers mention that for depression, the protective effects of high adherence to the diet appeared independent of age, but this protective effect was less when there was moderate adherence and older age.
One of the most interesting findings was that the protective effect from depression was observed in both Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean countries.
While the Mediterranean diet is known for being heart healthy, several studies have shown that this eating pattern can protect from various diseases of the brain. Some studies attribute this protective effect to the consumption of foods rich in antioxidants such as olive oil, fruit, vegetables and nuts while others also see benefits of individual foods in the Mediterranean diet such as extra virgin olive oil and walnuts.
- Ann Neurol: Psaltopoulou T. et al. Mediterranean diet, stroke, cognitive impairment, and depression: A meta-analysis.
- Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease: Valls-Pedret C, et al. Polyphenol-Rich Foods in the Mediterranean Diet are Associated with Better Cognitive Function in Elderly Subjects at High Cardiovascular Risk
Related Articles
Mar. 9, 2021
Oleum Develops New Tools for EVOO Analysis, Authentication
The analysis tools will impact the way blends are made, olive oil quality is assessed and shelf-life is evaluated, according to researchers.
Jan. 7, 2022
The Facts About Olive Oil and Skin Care
People have been using olive oil for face and skin care for thousands of years. Find out how olive oil heals damaged skin and moisturizes.
Jan. 10, 2022
The health benefits of olive oil are mostly derived from its monounsaturated fats and polyphenols. Extra virgin olive oil is the healthiest grade of olive oil.
May. 13, 2021
Grant Recipient to Study Impacts of Polyphenols on DNA Function
Andrea del Saz Lara is one of four recipients of the International Olive Council's research scholarships. She will investigate the effect of hydroxytyrosol on epigenomes and microRNA.
Sep. 16, 2021
The Health Benefits of Coconut Oil: Facts and Fiction
A meta-analysis of 16 clinical trials found that coconut oil consumption increased both LDL and HDL cholesterol levels relative to other nontropical vegetable oils.
Sep. 15, 2021
Study: Oleocanthal Regulates Abnormalities in Receptor Responsible for Alzheimer’s
Researchers from the University of Louisiana-Monroe are working to create an oral oleocanthal-based supplement for Alzheimer’s patients.
Mar. 11, 2021
High-Polyphenol EVOO May Lower Risk of Vascular Diseases Associated with Diabetes
While the results of the study confirm previous findings, the message from researchers is new: The type of olive oil used in cardiovascular health studies is an important variable.
Jan. 11, 2022
Dementia Rates Set to Triple by 2050, Latest Research Indicates
Improving education on the role of healthy diets in preventing the diseases that cause dementia may be one of the best mitigation factors.