Do you know the DASH diet? Developed in the United States in the 1990s, this health diet was initially created to prevent high blood pressure in patients with cardiovascular risk factors. However, scientific studies have demonstrated its value in preventing many cardiovascular diseases – obesity, diabetes, etc.
Would the DASH diet also be beneficial for the brain? In any case, this is what a new American study published in the scientific journal suggests Alzheimer’s & Dementia. American researchers followed 5,116 women aged 46 on average at the start of observation for 30 years.
A reduction in inflammation that could prevent cognitive disorders
Verdict? The scientists found that women who had adopted (from the start) a diet close to that advocated by the DASH diet were less likely than others to suffer from cognitive decline (and in particular memory loss) 30 years later.
How to explain this phenomenon ? The researchers make a hypothesis: the DASH diet improves the activity and balance of the intestinal microbiota, that is to say the “good” bacteria which populate our digestive system. This improvement could indirectly lead to a reduction in inflammation in the body… which would then reduce cognitive difficulties. QED!
What are the DASH diet recommendations? The DASH diet favors plant proteins, soluble and insoluble fibers, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants (flavonoids, polyphenols, etc.), “good” fats, lean animal proteins and water. Concretely, over the course of a day, it is advisable to eat 4 to 5 portions of green vegetables, 4 to 5 portions of fruit, 7 to 8 portions of whole grains, 2 to 3 portions of dairy products and 3 to 6 portions of fish or lean meat. To test !
Source : Alzheimer’s & Dementia
