The good news for those adhering to a plant-based diet just keeps growing and growing… In a new study from scientists at the University of Edinburgh, it seems that eating the Mediterranean way may be a winning strategy for maintaining a sharp mind as we age. 

For this study the scientists evaluated the thinking skills as well as the dietary habits of over 500 study subjects, age 79, and free of dementia. Those most closely adhering to a Mediterranean pattern of eating had the highest scores on the cognitive function testing. 

Of the various elements in the Mediterranean eating pattern, consuming dark leafy greens and limiting red meat were most closely correlated with better thinking skills. Alternatively, study participants reporting the highest intake of processed foods scored significantly lower on the cognitive tests.  

Take home message: eat more plant-based foods, and less red meat and processed foods! 

Experimental Gerontology, 2020; 142: 111117 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2020.111117