A recent study indicates that the Mediterranean diet may enhance brain health by altering gut bacteria balance. This research, conducted by Tulane University School of Medicine, was published in Gut Microbes Reports.
The study found that individuals adhering to a Mediterranean diet exhibit different gut microbiota patterns compared to those following a typical Western diet. These bacterial changes correlate with improved memory and cognitive performance.
Lead researcher Rebecca Solch-Ottaiano noted, "Our findings suggest that dietary choices can influence cognitive performance by reshaping the gut microbiome." The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fresh, whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and olive oil while limiting red meat and saturated fats.
In experiments with mice equivalent to 18-year-old humans, those fed a Mediterranean-style diet rich in olive oil and fiber over 14 weeks showed increases in beneficial gut bacteria and decreases in harmful microorganisms. These changes were linked to better performance in memory and learning tasks.
Specifically, higher levels of certain bacteria were associated with improved cognitive abilities, while others correlated with weaker memory function. The Mediterranean diet group also demonstrated enhanced cognitive flexibility and working memory compared to the Western diet group.
This research is the first to assess the impact of the Mediterranean diet on microbiota and cognitive outcomes in mice, reflecting human dietary complexity. The findings suggest potential benefits for improving academic performance in adolescents and work performance in young adults.
However, researchers emphasize the need for larger human studies to confirm these benefits and further explore the intricate relationship between diet, gut bacteria, and brain function.