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LIFESAVER: Studies suggest eating plenty of fruit, vegetable and fish helps cut the risk of developing age-related cognitive disorders. PIcture: Los Angeles Times

London: A MEDITERRANEAN diet is good for the brain as well as the body, according to researchers.

Brain scans suggest that eating plenty of fruit, vegetables and fish, along with moderate drinking, cuts the risk of developing age-related lesions that are linked to cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

High in whole grains and olive oil and low in red meat and dairy, the Mediterranean diet has long been thought to improve heart health and stave off cancer.

But a new US study reveals the benefits extend to the brain, where it is linked to lower levels of white matter hyper-intensity volume, an indicator of damage to small blood vessels.

Researchers from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine examined the relationship between the Mediterranean diet and white matter hyper-intensities.

Using diet questionnaires and MRI scans, their study of 1 000 participants with an average age of 72 revealed a lower volume of chronic age-related white matter damage among those sticking to a Mediterranean diet, even after allowing for risk factors including weight, physical activity and smoking.

Study leader Hannah Gardener said: “The study suggests a possible protective association between increased consumption of a Mediterranean diet and small vessel damage.” – Daily Mail