Mediterranean diet and nut intake shown to boost cognitive health

A review of the Mediterranean dietary pattern – high in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, fish and nuts – highlights its role in protecting the brain. Research links the diet to lower rates of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disease, emphasizing omega‑3 fatty acids and antioxidants as key contributors.

A separate ten‑year study of 1,742 U.S. adults, led by researchers from Monash University in Australia, found that higher consumption of nuts was associated with better performance on memory, processing speed and reasoning tests. The benefit persisted after adjusting for age, education, smoking, body weight and cardiovascular risk. No changes were observed in overall brain volume, but a small subgroup of stroke survivors showed increased levels of VEGF, a protein that supports blood‑vessel growth.

Both pieces of evidence suggest that regular intake of Mediterranean‑style foods and nuts may support cognitive function, although further research is needed to confirm causal effects.