(NewsNation) — A Mediterranean diet is beneficial for boosting brain function, according to a new study by Tulane University.
The study, published in Gut Microbes Reports, involved feeding rats a customary Mediterranean diet, rich in fish, fiber and olive oil across 14 weeks.
Results included a change in gut microbiome or bacteria, which led to better cognitive function and memory compared to rats eating a typically Westernized diet high in saturated fat.
“Our findings suggest that the Mediterranean diet or its biological effects could be harnessed to improve scholastic performance in adolescents, or work performance in young adults,” Dr. Demetrius M. Maraganore, corresponding author, said in the release.
The Mediterranean diet involves little to no red meat, lean meats, fish, an abundance of vegetables, olive oil as the main fat source, grains and fruits.
“We’ve known that what we eat affects brain function, but this study explores how that could be happening,” lead author, Rebecca Solch-Ottaiano said in the release. “Our findings suggest that dietary choices can influence cognitive performance by reshaping the gut microbiome.”
