A recent study presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2025 suggests that following a Mediterranean diet could significantly improve brain health among Hispanic/Latino adults in the United States. Researchers from the University of Illinois in Chicago analyzed data from approximately 2,800 participants aged 18 to 74 years, examining the relationship between diet and brain structure using specialized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. Lead researcher Dr. Gabriela Trifan noted that the study found positive impacts on brain health that extended beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
For each point increase in Mediterranean diet adherence, participants demonstrated improved white matter integrity and reduced evidence of structural brain damage. The Mediterranean diet, characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, with moderate amounts of fish and poultry, appears to offer substantial neurological benefits. The study suggests these benefits might result from the diet's potential to reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and maintain healthy blood vessel function. Researchers measured diet adherence using a scoring system between 0-9, with the average participant scoring 5.01. The findings indicated that even small dietary improvements could positively impact brain health.
Dr. Philip B. Gorelick, who was not involved in the study, emphasized the significance of these results, particularly for understanding brain health in the Hispanic/Latino population. He noted that white matter, which connects different brain areas and networks, is crucial for effective functioning. The study's unique focus on Hispanic/Latino adults is particularly important, as this demographic is projected to be the fastest-growing ethnic group in the United States. Researchers highlighted that many Mediterranean diet components are already staple foods in Latin cuisine, such as beans, corn, tomatoes, peppers, avocado, and fish.
While the study provides promising insights, researchers acknowledged limitations, including potential recall bias and the possibility that participants' dietary and lifestyle habits may have changed during the study period. These findings support the American Heart Association's dietary recommendations and suggest that the Mediterranean diet could be a valuable approach to maintaining brain health and potentially preventing cognitive issues. The research contributes to growing evidence about the connection between diet and neurological health, with specific implications for diverse populations in the United States.
