Health Note - Mediterranean diet & your Brain

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health... 1 John 3:2

"The bacteria in your mouth may play a surprising role in brain health, potentially influencing cognitive decline as you age. A new study suggests that a diet rich in nitrates—found in leafy greens and the Mediterranean diet—could support beneficial oral bacteria linked to better memory and lower dementia risk.

Approximately 15% of older adults experience mild cognitive

impairment (MCI), which is the greatest risk factor for developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Previous research has established a link between periodontitis (gum disease) and worsening cognitive function. Scientists have identified two potential pathways connecting oral health to brain health:

Pathogenic oral bacteria may enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain.
These harmful bacteria may outcompete nitrate-reducing bacteria, which play a crucial role in producing nitric oxide—a compound

essential for synaptic plasticity and long-term potentiation in the brain.
High prevalence of bacteria in the genus Porphyromonas predicted mild cognitive impairment status, while Prevotella intermedia predicted APOE4-carrier status. According to the authors, diet can affect the oral microbiome, and a nitrate-rich diet (such as the Mediterranean and ‘Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension’ diets), favors bacteria associated with good cognitive outcomes." SciTechDaily