Mind & Mood

Mediterranean diets lower blood sugar levels and slow brain shrinkage

In the journals

  • Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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Blood sampling and brain MRI tests were done before the study and at the conclusion. The researchers found that compared with the control group, people who followed either Mediterranean diet had less shrinkage in brain regions crucial for cognitive function, motor control, and processing information. The researchers suggested that the improved blood sugar levels in both Mediterranean diet groups contributed to their better brain health. They also noted that people who consumed higher amounts of green tea (two to four cups daily) and a shake made from duckweed as part of the green Mediterranean diet improved their blood sugar levels and brain health the most.

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About the Author

photo of Matthew Solan

Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch

Matthew Solan is the executive editor of Harvard Men’s Health Watch. He previously served as executive editor for UCLA Health’s Healthy Years and as a contributor to Duke Medicine’s Health News and Weill Cornell Medical College’s … See Full Bio
View all posts by Matthew Solan

About the Reviewer

photo of Howard E. LeWine, MD

Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing

Dr. Howard LeWine is a practicing internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Chief Medical Editor at Harvard Health Publishing, and editor in chief of Harvard Men’s Health Watch. See Full Bio
View all posts by Howard E. LeWine, MD

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