Mediterranean Diet Linked to Improved Brain Health in Hispanic/Latino Adults

A recent study presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2025 found that closely following a Mediterranean diet could improve brain health among Hispanic/Latino adults in the United States.

Researchers from the University of Illinois in Chicago analyzed data from approximately 2,800 participants aged 18 to 74, examining the relationship between diet and brain structure using specialized MRI techniques. The study focused on white matter integrity, a crucial component of brain communication and function.

Lead researcher Dr. Gabriela Trifan noted that for each point increase in Mediterranean diet adherence, participants demonstrated improved white matter integrity and reduced evidence of structural brain damage. Importantly, these benefits appeared to be independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

The Mediterranean diet, characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, with moderate amounts of fish and poultry, showed promising neurological benefits. Researchers suggested that the diet might improve brain health by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and maintaining healthy blood vessel function.

This study is particularly significant as it represents the first large-scale investigation focusing exclusively on Hispanic/Latino adults, who are projected to be the fastest-growing ethnic group in the United States. The findings support the American Heart Association's dietary recommendations and suggest that even small dietary improvements can positively impact brain health.

Dr. Philip B. Gorelick, who was not involved in the study, emphasized that while the results are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between diet and brain health.