'Mind' diet is beneficial for high blood pressure patients, it also reduces the risk of dementia:

News Topical, Digital Desk : A healthy diet can keep not only the body but also the mind healthy. Scientists believe that by doing this the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's can also be reduced.

Researchers at Cardiff Metropolitan University studied people following the Mediterranean and DASH diets and found that both were effective in preventing lifestyle-related diseases such as heart disease and hypertension. They also helped protect brain neurons from damage and benefit cognitive health.

Those who took the MIND diet scored higher

According to scientists Aisling Piggot and Sophie Davis, several studies have been conducted on the MIND diet and the evidence for the benefits of this diet for brain health is quite strong. For example, one study asked 906 older people about their usual diet. They were given a MIND score based on the number of foods and nutrients they consumed regularly and which were associated with reducing the risk of dementia.

Researchers found that people who had higher MIND diet scores had slower cognitive decline when followed up for about five years. Another study of 581 participants found that those who followed the MIND diet or Mediterranean diet for at least a decade showed fewer signs of amyloid plaques in their brains when tested.

Amyloid deposits are a major symptom of Alzheimer's disease. High intake of green leafy vegetables appeared to be the most important diet component. In addition, a systematic review of 13 studies on the MIND diet also found a positive relationship between adherence to the MIND diet and cognitive performance in older people. One paper included in the review also demonstrated that those who followed this diet had a 53 percent reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. Scientists said that this study opens the way for further research possibilities.

What is the MIND diet?

The MIND diet is a special type of diet designed to improve brain health and reduce cognitive decline. It combines principles from the Mediterranean and DASH diets. Both diets emphasize eating plant-based foods (such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds), low-fat dairy products (such as milk and yogurt) and lean proteins such as fish and chicken.

Both diets have very low intake of red and processed meat. However, the DASH diet places more emphasis on consuming foods with less sodium, less added sugar, and less saturated and trans-fats to reduce blood pressure. Both diets have their own benefits which are helpful in preventing many diseases.