Scientists have compiled a list of foods that can help avoid Alzheimer's disease

Switching to one of the world's most popular and respected diets - the Mediterranean diet - can lower your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. And consuming one of the components of this diet will greatly benefit the brain and develop cognitive abilities. Money Talks News.

A recently published study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) looked more closely at the Mediterranean diet to focus on the elements of the diet that protect cognitive abilities: thinking, memory, speech and attention.

Numerous studies in the past have shown the link between the Mediterranean diet and health brain.

The Mediterranean diet is based on the consumption of fish and the use of olive oil in cooking. Moderate consumption of red wine is also a staple in the Mediterranean diet. Among the foods in this diet are the following:

• Avocado
• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Nuts
• beans
• Whole grains

In the NIH study, researchers followed 7750 participants for 5-10 years and asked about their eating habits. Participants also took cognitive tests to test memory, language, and attention.

On the subject: What You Need to Eat to Get Smarter: Six Brain-friendly Foods

The researchers wanted to see how dietary factors affect two aspects of cognition:

• Risk of cognitive impairment (this is the risk that a person's cognitive abilities will become worse than that of their peers);
• Cognitive impairment risk (this is the risk that cognitive abilities will deteriorate rapidly over time).

Fish is the most important food

The researchers found that eating fish is particularly beneficial. According to a Harvard Health Publishing study report:

“Fish was the most important dietary factor in reducing the risk of cognitive impairment. In second place were vegetables, and all the rest Products showed a smaller, even insignificant effect. What's more, of all the foods evaluated, only fish was associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline. Eating fish reduced the risk of cognitive impairment and cognitive impairment. "

It is important to note that while eating fish can be beneficial, some fish species contain high levels of potentially harmful mercury. The FDA website offers advice on the safest types of fish to eat.

In addition to protecting the brain, the Mediterranean nutrition system has other health benefits. Earlier this year, she received the most top honors in a survey of experts tasked with choosing the best diet for health.