TOKYO, Japan – A recent study suggests that incorporating traditional Japanese foods like green tea, seaweed, and fish into one’s diet may have a positive impact on preventing age-related brain shrinkage, a common indicator of cognitive decline and dementia. Interestingly, the study found that this beneficial effect was predominantly noted in women. Japan, particularly Okinawa, is known for its large population of centenarians, with residents attributing their longevity to a combination of factors including an active lifestyle, a positive mindset, and a diet rich in vegetables, rice, fish, and seaweed.
The research involved 1,636 Japanese adults between the ages of 40 and 89 and was conducted with the support of Japan’s National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology and the University of Liverpool in the UK. Participants’ diets were closely monitored over a two-year period, with researchers identifying three main dietary patterns: the Western diet, a diet focused on vegetables, fruit, and dairy, and the traditional Japanese diet. Results of the study indicated that women who adhered to the traditional Japanese diet, which includes green tea, mushrooms, and miso, experienced less brain shrinkage compared to those following a Western diet.
According to the findings published in the Nutrition Journal, the consumption of whole grains, seafood, vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, soybean products, and green tea may play a protective role against age-related brain atrophy in middle-aged and older Japanese women. However, this protective effect was not observed in men following the same dietary patterns. This suggests that the traditional Japanese diet may offer specific benefits for women when it comes to cognitive health in later years.
Overall, the study highlights the potential impact of diet on brain health and cognitive function, particularly in the context of aging and the prevention of conditions like dementia. Researchers suggest that further exploration of how specific dietary components interact with brain health could provide valuable insights into strategies for maintaining cognitive function as individuals age. Ultimately, the study underscores the importance of considering dietary habits as a key factor in overall brain health and well-being.