Eat Green-Mediterranean Foods to Slow Brain Aging

A recent 18-month randomized trial by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Ben-Gurion University and the University of Leipzig shows that a green-Mediterranean diet—one enriched with green tea and the aquatic plant Mankai—can slow brain aging.

In the DIRECT PLUS study with ~300 participants, three diets were compared: a standard healthy diet; a traditional calorie-restricted Mediterranean diet; and the green-Mediterranean version. Scientists measured proteins in the blood that are known to indicate accelerated brain aging. They discovered that the green-Mediterranean group had significantly reduced levels of these proteins compared to the other groups. The researchers believe the anti-inflammatory compounds in green tea and Mankai play a key protective role for brain health.

Tracking protein signatures provided insight into how diet influences the brain long before symptoms appear—suggesting that choosing the right foods might preserve cognitive function as people age.

Key Takeaways

Following a green-Mediterranean diet enriched with green tea and Mankai is associated with lower levels of proteins linked to faster brain aging.

Anti-inflammatory components in green tea and Mankai may be central to protecting cognition.

Dietary interventions can influence brain health early, before noticeable cognitive decline.

Adapted From:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250921090902.htm

Link to original study:

https://www.clinicalnutritionjournal.com/article/S0261-5614(25)00235-3/fulltext

Edited discussion from study

"These findings are closely aligned with our previous results shadowing that the green-MED, high-polyphenol diet, rich in Mankai, green tea, and walnuts, and low in red/processed meat, is potentially neuroprotective for age-related brain atrophy."