People who consume plenty of fibre in their diets have a reduced risk of dementia, according to research published in Nutritional Neuroscience. This benefit adds to those of a healthy digestive system and cardiovascular benefits thanks to fibre consumption.
Under the guidance of Kazumasa Yamagishi, a professor at Tsukuba University, the Japanese researchers evaluated data from a large study of Japanese adults that began in the mid-1980s (1985-1999).
The participants, healthy adults aged 40-64 years, were followed between 1985 and 1999-2000, at which time it was noted whether they developed dementia for which medical treatment was required.
The researchers divided the participants - a total of 3,739 people - into four groups according to the amount of fibre they consumed and found that the group that consumed the most fibre had the lowest risk of dementia.
In fact, those who consumed the most soluble fibre were found to have the greatest benefit.
We recall that fibre is divided into two main categories, depending on its solubility in water.
- Soluble fibre is soft and sticky, dissolves in water and forms compounds in the form of a gel. The fact that they absorb water allows the intestinal contents to pass quickly through the gastrointestinal tract. Soluble fibres are contained in barley, oats, peas, beans and fruit. They are mainly found in wholemeal products, nuts, fruits and vegetables (mainly stems and skins) and do not dissolve when they come into contact with water. They contribute to the movement of intestinal contents and the formation of stool volume, helping to combat constipation.
- In an attempt to explain the mechanism by which fibre protects the brain from dementia, researchers speculate that soluble fibre regulates the composition of gut bacteria. This synthesis may influence neuroinflammation, which plays a role in the onset of dementia. It is also possible that fibre may reduce other risk factors for dementia, such as body weight, blood pressure, lipids and glucose levels.
Although more research is needed, what is certain is that this research provides a good reason to increase fibre intake in our diets.
Source: ygeiamou.gr
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