Associations of dietary patterns with brain health from behavioral, neuroimaging, biochemical and genetic analyses

This study analyzed dietary patterns from 181,990 UK Biobank participants and their impact on brain health, cognition, and mental well-being. Four subtypes emerged: starch-free/reduced starch, vegetarian, high protein/low fiber, and balanced. The balanced diet was associated with better mental health, cognitive performance, and brain structure, while high protein/low fiber and vegetarian diets showed elevated risks of mental disorders. Genetic analysis linked these dietary patterns to brain-related genes and mental health susceptibility, emphasizing diet's role in brain function.

Adopt a balanced diet with varied food groups like fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains to support mental health and cognitive function. Balanced diets are associated with better outcomes than restrictive or high-fat diets, though genetics and lifestyle factors also play a role.