Super Fruit May Help Slow Cognitive Decline, Nutritionists Say

The article reports that nutritionists highlight plant-forward eating patterns like the MIND diet and foods high in flavonols—notably berries such as blueberries—as being associated in some studies with slower cognitive decline. It also notes that other foods and compounds (omega-3s, olive oil, cocoa, curcumin) are discussed, with some findings described as preliminary or mixed.

Nutritionists and recent studies link certain plant-rich foods to measures of cognitive health. The piece notes that the brain retains neuroplasticity across the lifespan and that nutrition is one factor associated with maintaining memory and function. Experts quoted recommend the MIND diet, a hybrid of Mediterranean and DASH patterns that emphasizes leafy greens, berries and olive oil while limiting foods high in saturated fat. Recent research cited in the article associates diets high in flavonols with slower rates of cognitive decline. Key findings: - The article describes neuroplasticity as the brain's capacity to form new neural pathways at any age. - Nutritionists highlighted the MIND diet and plant-forward foods such as berries, leafy greens, and extra-virgin olive oil as supportive of cognitive health. - Berries, particularly blueberries, are described as rich in flavonoids and flavonols that studies link to reduced brain aging in some research. - Other foods mentioned as associated with cognitive benefits include oily fish (sources of omega-3s), whole grains, cruciferous vegetables, nuts (walnuts), legumes, cocoa/dark chocolate, coffee and green tea. - Curcumin and citrus peel compounds (nobiletin) are noted as having shown potential in early or animal studies, with human results for curcumin described as mixed and supplement doses higher than culinary use. Summary: The article presents evidence that plant-forward eating patterns and foods high in flavonols and omega-3s are associated in some studies with slower cognitive decline and support for memory and attention. It also notes that certain compounds have preliminary or mixed evidence and that research varies by compound and study type. Undetermined at this time.