14 DAY TRIAL // Mediterranean diet is very beneficial for human health because it is rich in natural foods which keep all types of diseases and disorders at bay and boost stamina and wellbeing in all individuals, independent of their age or other factors. Fruits, vegetables, cereals, fish and olive oil lay the foundation of the so-called Mediterranean diet.
Besides other health benefits, a recent study carried out by experts at the Columbia University Medical Center in New York showed that an adept of Mediterranean diet has lower chances of developing Alzheimer's disease and dementia. All the compounds and micronutrients in natural foods eaten in the Mediterranean region prevent neuronal plaque from forming and, therefore, hinder the decline of cognitive function.
The lead researcher of the study Dr. Nikolaos Scarmeas, Assistant Professor of Neurology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York noted: "We have confirmed the association of a Mediterranean diet with Alzheimer's disease. The diet could be helping avoid Alzheimer's disease by protection from oxidative stress or by reducing inflammation in the brain."
The scientist also added: "It seems that this diet is health protective. Taking into account that this diet is protective for other conditions such as coronary heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, obesity and a series of cancers, it seems to make sense to follow this diet anyway, and the diet may also protect from Alzheimer's disease."
Another study which investigated the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and its potency to counteract unwanted and serious diseases, such as Alzheimer's showed that most of the benefits are given by the omega-3 essential fatty acid - which is found extensively in all foods regularly consumed by Mediterranean regions dwellers.
The second study was conducted by researchers at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, led by Dr. Yvonne Freund-Levi. They wrote: "The mechanisms by which omega-3 fatty acids could interfere in Alzheimer's disease pathophysiologic features are not clear, but since anti-inflammatory effects are an important part of the profile of fish oils, they are conceivable also for Alzheimer's disease. It is possible that when the disease is clinically apparent, the neuropathologic involvement is too advanced to be substantially attenuated by anti-inflammatory treatment."