Research Roundup: June 2021
Med Diet May Boost Brain Function.
Regular Med diet style eating is associated with better cognitive functioning, researchers in Scotland found. More than 500 older adults (about 79 years old) without dementia completed a dietary survey and questions to test memory, problem solving, and thinking speed. Compared to people eating a processed diet, those following the Med diet, in particular eating more leafy greens and cutting back on red meat, improved cognitive function. Neither diet improved brain health, but the Med diet impacted overall memory and cognition.
(Experimental Gerontology, December 2020)
Refined Grains Linked to Risk of Death, CV Events.
High intake of refined grains, like white bread and white pasta, is associated with a higher risk of death and cardiovascular (CV) events, according to researchers. Data of more than 137,000 people aged 35 to 70 in 21 countries was assessed for refined
grain intake using food frequency questionnaires. The highest intake (about 7 servings a day) was associated with higher risk of total mortality and major CV events compared with lowest intake (less than 1 serving per day). Researchers encourage higher intake of whole grains.
(BMJ, February 2021)
Black Coffee May Be Heart Healthy.
One or more cups of black, caffeinated coffee a day is associated with lower long-term risk of heart failure. A study (with data from three studies of more than 21,000 Americans) found that, versus people who didn’t drink coffee, risk for heart failure over time decreased between 5% and 12% for each 8-ounce cup consumed each day in one study. Another showed no difference between no coffee and one cup, but drinking two cups or more per day decreased the risk by about 30% in another study.
(Circulation: Heart Failure, February 2021)
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