MIND (short for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) is an intervention using the Mediterranean-DASH diet to delay neurodegeneration. MIND has long been known as a diet that helps the elderly prevent the risk of dementia (Alzheimer) and Parkinson's disease. A study published at the annual meeting of the American Dietetic Association recently found that this diet can also help children improve their ability to concentrate.
A blend of the DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet, the MIND diet focuses primarily on fresh fruits, vegetables, and legumes (like lentils and peas). However, MIND also recommends consuming specific foods like dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, broccoli) and berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)—food groups known to boost brain health.
To further investigate the impact of diet on children's ability to concentrate, the team compared two different diets: the Healthy Eating Index - 2015 (HEI-2015, based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans) and MIND. Specifically, experts analyzed data from a study conducted by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaig. In it, 85 children aged 7-11 were asked to record their food consumption over 7 days, which the team used to calculate their adherence to the HEI-2015 or MIND diet. In addition, to assess their ability to concentrate, the children were also asked to complete a task requiring spatial attention and executive control, with their reaction time and accuracy in performing the task recorded.
The results showed that the MIND diet was positively associated with children's ability to concentrate and their accuracy in performing tasks, with children who followed the diet consistently performing better on tasks. "These results suggest that the MIND diet may have the potential to improve children's cognitive development, which is important for successful learning in school," said Dr. Shelby Keye, a member of the research team.
AN NHIEN (According to Study Finds)
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