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Food for Thought: The Relationship Between Oral Health and Nutrition

Course Number: 583

Mediterranean + DASH = MIND Diet

The Mediterranean diet, which is mostly plant-based, along with the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) focusing on low sodium intake are two evidence based, flexible, and effective eating strategies to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases. The MIND diet, short for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay-is a hybrid of both diets, designed to support brain health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline.10

The MIND diet encourages a daily intake of dark greens such as kale and spinach, along with other non-starchy vegetables, nuts, olive oil, whole grains such as oats, quinoa, and legumes. Berries, fish, and poultry are suggested twice per week. Quality matters, choosing locally grown, organic, and wild harvested when possible.10

ce583 - Images - Fig 7

Figure 7. Eating for Brain Health

Image Source: Generated by AI