Olive Oil, Nuts Appear To Boost Brain Power When Added To Plant-Based Diet

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – We know that fish has a well-earned reputation as brain food. But not every stay-sharp ingredient has gills and lives underwater.

Some land-based sources of healthy fats include olive oil and nuts. Olive oil and nuts appear to boost brainpower when added to a plant-based diet.

Not surprisingly the Mediterranean diet was seen as a valuable aid.  This diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans.

In a recent study, people who ate the Mediterranean diet boosted with nuts improved their memory when examined on a test designed to look at recall. The scientists are not certain why this is the case but one of the theories is that it helps with flow of blood to the brain.