Feeding Your Brain: The MODERN vs MIND Diet Debate
Episode Overview
MODERN diet uses AI to optimise brain health. MIND diet blends Mediterranean and DASH diets. Balance and variety are key in brain-healthy eating. Observational studies guide but don't prove dietary effects. Small dietary changes can support cognitive wellness.
"Your brain may be small in size, but it sure demands a big chunk of your energy!"
Imagine a diet that's not just about food, but also about giving your brain the best chance at staying sharp. In this episode of The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, host Molly Watts takes you on a journey through the fascinating world of brain-healthy eating, spotlighting the MODERN diet, a fresh concept born from machine learning and research on 185,000 people. This diet promises a whopping 51% reduction in dementia risk, which is no small feat!
But hold your horses – it's not all straightforward. Molly compares this cutting-edge approach with the well-known MIND diet, a blend of Mediterranean and DASH diets known for supporting cognitive function. The MODERN diet categorises foods into adequacy, moderation, and restriction, aiming to optimise brain health. Protective foods like olive oil, citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens are celebrated, while sugary drinks and processed foods get the boot.
But there's a twist – fish, usually a hero in brain health circles, didn't make the cut due to regional eating habits in the UK. It's all about balance and variety, not just loading up on superfoods. Molly doesn't just stop at listing foods; she dives into the science behind these diets. While observational studies give us clues, they don't offer concrete proof. Correlation isn't causation, and Molly makes sure you understand that nuance.
She encourages small changes that can make a big difference – swapping soda for sparkling water or choosing berries over chips. This episode isn't just about what you eat; it's about how you think about eating. If you're already working on becoming an alcohol minimalist, you're halfway there. Your habits around drinking and eating go hand in hand in supporting a healthier brain.
So why not give your brain some love and tune in to learn how to feed it like the vital organ it is? You'll walk away with practical tips and maybe even a new perspective on what it means to eat for brain health.