Regular intake of fresh fruits and vegetables has been linked to increases in gray matter volume within key brain regions, including the hippocampus and the right precentral gyrus. These structural shifts may contribute to a lower likelihood of developing depression and dementia later in life. The finding comes from researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden, reported in a peer‑reviewed study published in a scientific journal.
The research team examined dietary habits of 9,925 participants drawn from a large national biobank, and each participant also underwent magnetic resonance imaging to assess brain structure. The goal was to understand how everyday food choices relate to the architecture of the brain.
Analyses revealed that individuals who more consistently included fresh fruits and vegetables in their daily meals tended to show greater gray matter volume in several regions, notably the hippocampus, parts of the cerebral cortex, and the right precentral gyrus. Gray matter comprises neuronal cell bodies and is central to processing and transmitting information. Neurons within this tissue play a critical role in generating nerve impulses and in storing and interpreting sensory input that drives behavior.
Researchers propose that the consumption of fruits and vegetables may actively influence brain volume, particularly in the hippocampus. Enhanced gray matter in this region has been associated with reduced risk for dementia and mood disorders in observational data. However, the study also notes a key uncertainty: it remains unclear whether higher gray matter volumes lead people to choose more fruits and vegetables, or whether the dietary pattern itself promotes structural brain changes.
The study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that diet quality can impact brain health, especially as the brain ages. It aligns with broader nutrition science that emphasizes plant‑based foods as a cornerstone of cognitive well‑being.
In related findings, other research shows that high intake of fatty foods may affect brain oxygenation during periods of stress, potentially impacting cognitive function over time. This broader context helps explain why balanced eating patterns, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, are often recommended for long‑term brain health.