We all know that following a healthy diet is crucial, but it may benefit us in more ways than we think. As well as enabling us to be fit and healthy, it can also benefit our mind in a number of ways.
For example, neuroscientist Dr Robert Love explained that adding one common food to your diet could help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. In a recent video, he explained why research indicates making the simple change to your diet could aid your health.
Citing the work of Dr Lei Feng and colleagues, he said they published a journal article explaining that people who eat mushrooms at least three times a week have a “significant reduction” of the risk of Alzheimer’s disease – in fact it could slash the risk by up to 40%, according to the study.
Dr Love said: “That is huge. Now, people are asking ‘what kind of mushrooms?’ Now the research did not specify, so that means pretty much most mushrooms. If not, all edible mushrooms.
“Edible mushrooms are great for your brain. My favourite edible mushroom for the brain is something called lion’s mane. Lion’s mane is a mushroom that’s great for memory, it reduces stress and anxiety, it improves mood, it’s good for your gut bacteria and it even helps improve sleep.”
He noted that all sorts of mushrooms are really good for your brain, and he listed a few more too. According to Dr Love, white mushrooms are the “least beneficial”, but he still encourages people to eat the food as much as they can.
Obviously, no diet can totally prevent the risk of Alzheimer’s, but research has indicated consuming more mushrooms could have the potential to help.
Back in 2019, a team from the Department of Psychological Medicine and Department of Biochemistry at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore (NUS), uncovered seniors who eat more than two standard portions of mushrooms every week could have a 50% less chance of having mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
When it comes to what classifies as a portion, it was noted the correct amount was around three quarters of a cup of cooked mushrooms with an average weight of around 150g. Two portions works out at around half a plate.
Though these portions are just a guideline, evidence also indicated that consuming even one small portion of mushrooms a week could still help to slash the risk of MCI.
At the time, Assistant Professor Lei Feng, who is from the NUS Department of Psychological Medicine, said: “This correlation is surprising and encouraging. It seems that a commonly available single ingredient could have a dramatic effect on cognitive decline.”
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
The NHS states: “Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in the UK. Dementia is the name for a group of symptoms associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning.
“It can affect memory, thinking skills and other mental abilities. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not yet fully understood, although a number of things are thought to increase your risk of developing the condition.”
Risk factors include increasing age, a family history of the condition, untreated depression, lifestyle factors and conditions associated with cardiovascular disease.
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. It’s a progressive condition, which means the symptoms develop gradually over time and become worse.
Usually the first signs include minor memory problems such as forgetting about recent conversations or events, or forgetting the names of places and objects. Full symptoms are listed on the NHS website, but if you are concerned you or a loved one may have the illlness, contact your GP for advice.