A healthy diet consumed in mid-adulthood might be associated with a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, according to a study published in the journal Neurology.
In the study, conducted by the American Academy of Neurology, more than 45,000 participants were surveyed on their dietary patterns periodically every four years, beginning in the 1980s. Researchers followed-up decades later to identify traits associated with the disease, including constipation and sleep disturbances.
For a substantial number of participants, their nutrition plans included the Mediterranean diet, comprised of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Among the participants who adhered to the Mediterranean diet, they were less likely to develop symptoms that precede Parkinson’s disease.
“While this study does not show cause and effect, it certainly provides yet another reason for getting more vegetables, nuts and legumes in your diet,” said Samantha Molsberry, co-author of the study.
“More research is needed to determine whether eating a healthy diet could delay or even prevent the development of Parkinson’s disease among people who have these preceding symptoms already,” Molsberry concluded in a news release.
