We all know how much our food choices affect our life, but we often underestimate long-term effects of a healthy diet.
A new study shows that healthy food helps older people a lot and is connected to healthy aging.
Let's find out more about why and how it works.
A new study on healthy aging
In a recent study, scientists explored how the food we eat, our brain's structure, and our cognitive abilities are linked to healthy aging.
They found that specific types of fats in our blood, including saturated fats and certain omega fatty acids, were associated with better memory and larger brain structures in certain areas.
Unlike many previous studies that focus on one nutrient or one aspect of the brain, this research took a broader approach, considering how these factors work together.
It involved 111 older adults and examined their brain structures, blood nutrient levels, and memory and thinking abilities.
Test results
The study revealed that memory test performance, brain size in specific regions, and blood markers for certain fatty acids were closely connected.
People with better memory scores tended to have larger brain areas and higher levels of these fatty acids in their blood.
Conversely, those with lower cognitive test scores had smaller brain regions and lower levels of these fatty acids.
Why it's important to know
While this study doesn't prove that diet directly impacts brain health, it adds to the growing evidence that good nutrition plays a role in healthy aging.
It underscores the importance of considering these factors together for a more comprehensive understanding of how they contribute to aging well.
