Wine and cheese can help reduce the risk of dementia

Although, contrary to the well-known aphorism, we are definitely not exactly what we eat, food often affects many different aspects of life and health. According to researchGenetic Factors of Alzheimer's Disease Modulate How Diet is Associated with Long-Term Cognitive Trajectories: A UK Biobank Study American scientists, the use of certain foods can reduce the risk of senile dementia. To do this, they analyzed data from 1,787 volunteers aged 46 to 77 years.

They all passed the Mobile Intelligence Test (TPI) between 2006 and 2010. It allows you to assess memory and the ability to learn new information. Further, repeated tests were carried out in 2012-2013 and 2015-2016, which made it possible to obtain data for a 10-year period. All participants also provided detailed information about their diet. 49 types of food and beverages were counted, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer and cider.

When comparing nutritional data with TPI results, the authors noted that people who ate cheese every day showed significantly better test scores over time - cheese is healthier in this regard than any other food nutrition.

The researchers noted that this effect does not extend to people who have had family history of the disease. Alzheimer's, so a slice of cheese a day will only be good for people without a genetic predisposition to it disease.

Although there is no exact explanation for this phenomenon yet, it is believed that this may be due to the high content of calcium, vitamin B12 and certain types of lactopeptides that may have a beneficial effect on cognition in old people. Also, bacteria from some types of cheese can alter the gut microbiome - which is known to interact with the brain and affect both mood and cognition.

The study authors also concluded that drinking small amounts of red wine daily helps reduce the risk of cognitive decline. And, unlike cheese, wine was found to be more effective for people with a history of Alzheimer's than for those without the disease in the family.

While the researchers speculate that this may be due to the anti-inflammatory compounds that are present in red wine, they also cite another study.A 2-year follow-up study of alcohol consumption and risk of dementiawhich links daily beer consumption to a higher risk of dementia, suggesting that different types of alcohol have different effects on cognitive performance.

A further look at the data showed that eating lamb once a week is believed to reduce the risk cognitive impairment later in life, although other types of red meat have not shown similar effect. It was also found that excess salt in the diet is a serious factor in the development of dementia, but only in people with Alzheimer's disease in the family.

Study author Brandon Klinedinst noted that “depending on genetic factors, some people seem to be more protected from Alzheimer's disease, while others seem to be more risk. However, I believe that the right food choices can prevent disease and cognitive decline in general. ”

Snack while watching a movie: 10 Antarctic Krill pasta snack ideas for those tired of chips and popcorn