The journey of ageing is inevitable, but how quickly our brain ages may depend significantly on what we eat. A Harvard-backed study, conducted in collaboration with the University of Leipzig, has revealed that the green-Mediterranean diet could be a breakthrough in protecting against early cognitive decline. By slightly modifying the traditional Mediterranean diet with the inclusion of green tea and Mankai—an edible form of duckweed—researchers found a measurable slowing down of the brain’s ageing process.

The Study and Its Findings

Over an 18-month period, researchers monitored 300 participants to evaluate the influence of diet on brain ageing. Three groups were tested:

A standard healthy diet

A modified low-carb Mediterranean diet high in vegetables

The green-Mediterranean diet, which included green tea and Mankai

When scientists examined protein levels in the blood, they focused on certain markers linked to cognitive decline. High levels of these proteins are known to accelerate the brain’s biological ageing, causing memory issues and weakening problem-solving abilities earlier than expected.

Participants who followed the green-Mediterranean diet demonstrated significantly lower levels of these protein markers, suggesting that the addition of anti-inflammatory foods offered the brain extra protection.

Why Green Tea and Mankai?

The inclusion of green tea and Mankai isn’t accidental. Both are rich in polyphenols and bioactive compounds that combat inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation has long been associated with not just physical health issues like heart disease and obesity but also with faster cognitive deterioration.

Green tea, already praised for its antioxidant properties, appears to help improve alertness, memory, and even attention span. Meanwhile, Mankai, a plant-based protein source, introduces unique micronutrients that enhance the diet’s protective effects on the nervous system. Together, they amplify the benefits of the Mediterranean eating pattern, creating a diet that slows ageing on multiple levels.

The Bigger Picture: Brain and Body

The Mediterranean diet has long been hailed for its heart health and weight management benefits. Rich in olive oil, leafy greens, legumes, fish, and whole grains, it is already one of the most recommended diets globally. Now, this “green” version takes the benefits further by showing how small additions can impact long-term cognitive health.

By reducing protein buildup in the brain, the green-Mediterranean diet may help delay age-related diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s, while also preserving daily cognitive functions such as memory retention, focus, and problem-solving.

Practical Takeaways

For those looking to adopt the diet, incorporating simple habits like adding a daily cup of green tea or experimenting with nutrient-rich greens like Mankai (available in supplement or food form) could provide significant benefits in the long run. What the study highlights most is that prevention through diet is not just about physical fitness but also about mental resilience as we age.

The Harvard study on the green-Mediterranean diet provides a refreshing perspective on how food can impact brain function. While ageing cannot be stopped, it can be slowed down intelligently by the right food choices. With the help of green tea and Mankai, this version of the Mediterranean diet shows strong potential to preserve mental sharpness and ensure healthier ageing — both for the body and the brain.

Read Also: Act Fast in Cardiac Arrest to Save Lives

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!