Israeli scientists from Ben-Gurion University found that losing weight through a healthier diet slows brain aging. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine eLife.
During the experiment, experts took photographs of the brains of 102 participants. Scans were performed once before the study began and again 18 months later; A series of tests on liver function, cholesterol levels and body weight were also performed.
Volunteers followed one of three diets: a Mediterranean diet with more nuts, fish and chicken instead of red meat, a Mediterranean diet supplemented with green tea, which contains polyphenols, and a diet based on healthy eating principles.
Brain age estimates were based on an algorithm trained on brain scans of another group of about 300 people; the model accurately predicted age based on brain measurements.
Participants lost an average of 2.3 pounds during the trial. Researchers found that for every 1% of body weight lost, participants’ brains became approximately nine months younger than their biological age.
“Our study highlights the importance of a healthy lifestyle to maintain brain health, including consuming less processed foods, sweets and beverages,” said neuroscientist Gidon Levakov, lead author of the study.
previous doctors stated against the obvious danger of being overweight in men.