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A new study sheds light on the potential cognitive benefits of following a traditional Japanese diet, including reducing brain shrinkage in women, compared to the Western diet.

The findings, published in Springer Link, showed the role of dietary patterns in preserving brain health and mitigating the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

The research, conducted by a team analyzing data from over 1,600 Japanese adults aged 40 to 89, examined the impact of dietary habits on brain atrophy over two years.

Participants were categorized based on their dietary preferences, with some following a traditional Japanese diet rich in rice, fish and soy, while others adhered to a typical Western diet characterized by high consumption of refined carbohydrates and fatty foods.

According to News Nation, the study's lead author noted the traditional Japanese diet, renowned for its emphasis on nutrient-rich foods such as seaweed, miso and green tea, may offer protective effects against brain shrinkage due to its abundance of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.

These components are believed to exert anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, supporting optimal brain function and reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline.

Importantly, the study found that women who closely adhered to the traditional Japanese diet exhibited significantly less brain atrophy than those following a Western diet, per The Conversation.

However, no similar association was observed among men, suggesting potential sex-specific differences in dietary effects on brain health.

While the exact mechanisms underlying these findings need further investigation, researchers speculated that biological disparities between sexes and variations in lifestyle habits might have contributed to the observed differences.

 Factors such as smoking prevalence and dietary preferences were noted to vary between men and women, potentially influencing brain health outcomes.

The study's authors stressed the importance of further research to validate their findings and determine the specific dietary components responsible for the observed benefits.

Nevertheless, they advocate for the incorporation of elements of the traditional Japanese diet into daily meals, emphasizing the potential cognitive and overall health benefits associated with a nutrient-rich and culturally diverse diet.