Hi Kathy! Great! Poultry is a brain healthy food group in the MIND diet study, with 2 or more servings a week giving a more favorable MIND diet score. That probably has more to do with chicken and turkey being better alternatives to red meat, which is high in saturated fat. Plus, poultry provides niacin, a brain health nutrient. So I wouldn't worry if you feel like your intake is high, just be sure to source chicken that is lower in saturated fat, and cook it carefully (no frying) like I describe in my book.
Thank you Annie I printed the Mediterranean Lifestyle Quiz. I am going to try and quantify it into a Spreadsheet so I can really see how I am doing. Diagnosed with probable MCI and am doing everything I can to impede its progress. Marsha
Morning Annie, I scored high on the test but did know and implement most of the suggestions. I am going to send to many of my friends - thankful to have this information in print from someone I admire and trust.
Another suggestion for conversation email thread would be podcasts - I often have a problem finding these and would love recommendations - thanks so much karen
I scored very high on the Quiz, but I still have a point of concern on drinking wine. After several years taking 7 glasses a week (one a day at lunch), I've recently reduced to 4 a week. But I remember Annie saying that the best is to quit totally, as the wine is in the Med diet just as a matter of culture.
So, I still need an input that makes me reduce even more (or keep kkkk).
Excited to hear about your score, Gardel! Good for you! When it comes to alcohol it really depends on which study you read. The largest, most compelling one, in my mind, is the UK Biobank study from last year. They found more brain volume loss starting at 4 drinks per week. And those who didn't drink at all were better off than light drinkers. Other studies (like a new one out of Korea) did not see more dementia moderate drinkers. The way people metabolize alcohol is highly variable, as some people can tolerate more than others. So it's really hard to say the exact right amount for each person. If alcohol is having a negative effect on your sleep, then that's a good reason to cut back. Or on any other aspect of your life. Women at high risk for breast cancer should really limit alcohol, too. For me, I try to limit intake to 4 drinks a week while going totally alcohol-free several months each year. When in Italy, I tend to drink a little bit more.
Hi Annie, Not a comment, but a question about something you mentioned in our recent online get together on Sunday Feb 26th. (I don't think I have a correct email for you) You said that you were trying out the smaller and less expensive Vita Mix blender. I wonder if you've reached a conclusion about it. I need a new blender and am curious about what you think of it. Second question: Do you know yet when you'll be in Boston? Looking forward to being in the same room with you! Martha , mjplotkin@gmail.com
Hi Martha, yes that was the VitaMix One blender. It words well for nut milk and cream, smoothies, and pureeing soups. I haven't used it for anything more heavy duty than that. I like how light it is and it takes up less space. At $150, it's much less than my other Vitamix blenders and probably fine for most kitchen tasks.
As for Boston, we just set a date for April 19 at Hummingbird Books. We are still putting the event details together, but I will post a link for tickets soon. It will be wonderful to meet you!
I'm 62 and have the ApoE4 gene. My Grandmother and mother both had significant dementia. I'm finding it disheartening that the study found less benefit from dietary changes of boosting leafy greens, beans and reducing fried/fast foods for folks like me .
Hi Cindy, it's important to know that the ApoE4 group in this study was too small to draw statistical conclusions. So while they mentioned a few observations, they did so with the caveat that the group was too small. Other studies have shown benefit for these dietary modifications in ApoE4 carriers. This one simply didn't have the power.
Because amyloid is not the only issue for the umbrella concern of dementia, not just Alzheimers, I am less concerned about the fact that the MIND diet scores less on that aspect than the typical Mediterranean diet. There is nuance here and as said, it is not just about picking specific foods; rather it is an overall approach to brain-friendly living as BHK purports. Still, nice to see more research here!
Yes, I agree. Also good to keep in mind that amyloid in the brain doesn't always correlate with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. We know that from the Nun's Study.
10 points, wondering about poultry, I eat that 4 times a week.
Gluten Free makes healthy whole grains harder, I try to find things with fiber exceeding 10% of carbs.
No red meat, no dairy except tiny amounts of cheese, no alcohol.
Olives - what a great treat! I should do more...
Hi Kathy! Great! Poultry is a brain healthy food group in the MIND diet study, with 2 or more servings a week giving a more favorable MIND diet score. That probably has more to do with chicken and turkey being better alternatives to red meat, which is high in saturated fat. Plus, poultry provides niacin, a brain health nutrient. So I wouldn't worry if you feel like your intake is high, just be sure to source chicken that is lower in saturated fat, and cook it carefully (no frying) like I describe in my book.
Thank you Annie I printed the Mediterranean Lifestyle Quiz. I am going to try and quantify it into a Spreadsheet so I can really see how I am doing. Diagnosed with probable MCI and am doing everything I can to impede its progress. Marsha
Morning Annie, I scored high on the test but did know and implement most of the suggestions. I am going to send to many of my friends - thankful to have this information in print from someone I admire and trust.
Another suggestion for conversation email thread would be podcasts - I often have a problem finding these and would love recommendations - thanks so much karen
Congrats on your Medi Diet score, Karen! Yes, podcasts—great topic. I am an avid listener and I'm sure many of you are too.
Hi everyone!
I scored very high on the Quiz, but I still have a point of concern on drinking wine. After several years taking 7 glasses a week (one a day at lunch), I've recently reduced to 4 a week. But I remember Annie saying that the best is to quit totally, as the wine is in the Med diet just as a matter of culture.
So, I still need an input that makes me reduce even more (or keep kkkk).
Excited to hear about your score, Gardel! Good for you! When it comes to alcohol it really depends on which study you read. The largest, most compelling one, in my mind, is the UK Biobank study from last year. They found more brain volume loss starting at 4 drinks per week. And those who didn't drink at all were better off than light drinkers. Other studies (like a new one out of Korea) did not see more dementia moderate drinkers. The way people metabolize alcohol is highly variable, as some people can tolerate more than others. So it's really hard to say the exact right amount for each person. If alcohol is having a negative effect on your sleep, then that's a good reason to cut back. Or on any other aspect of your life. Women at high risk for breast cancer should really limit alcohol, too. For me, I try to limit intake to 4 drinks a week while going totally alcohol-free several months each year. When in Italy, I tend to drink a little bit more.
Hi Annie, Not a comment, but a question about something you mentioned in our recent online get together on Sunday Feb 26th. (I don't think I have a correct email for you) You said that you were trying out the smaller and less expensive Vita Mix blender. I wonder if you've reached a conclusion about it. I need a new blender and am curious about what you think of it. Second question: Do you know yet when you'll be in Boston? Looking forward to being in the same room with you! Martha , mjplotkin@gmail.com
Hi Martha, yes that was the VitaMix One blender. It words well for nut milk and cream, smoothies, and pureeing soups. I haven't used it for anything more heavy duty than that. I like how light it is and it takes up less space. At $150, it's much less than my other Vitamix blenders and probably fine for most kitchen tasks.
As for Boston, we just set a date for April 19 at Hummingbird Books. We are still putting the event details together, but I will post a link for tickets soon. It will be wonderful to meet you!
Thanks Annie; looking forward to meeting you too.
I'm 62 and have the ApoE4 gene. My Grandmother and mother both had significant dementia. I'm finding it disheartening that the study found less benefit from dietary changes of boosting leafy greens, beans and reducing fried/fast foods for folks like me .
Hi Cindy, it's important to know that the ApoE4 group in this study was too small to draw statistical conclusions. So while they mentioned a few observations, they did so with the caveat that the group was too small. Other studies have shown benefit for these dietary modifications in ApoE4 carriers. This one simply didn't have the power.
Thanks for the support and for getting back to me so quickly.
Is tofu a whole soy food?
Yes, it is a soy whole food, minimally processed.
Because amyloid is not the only issue for the umbrella concern of dementia, not just Alzheimers, I am less concerned about the fact that the MIND diet scores less on that aspect than the typical Mediterranean diet. There is nuance here and as said, it is not just about picking specific foods; rather it is an overall approach to brain-friendly living as BHK purports. Still, nice to see more research here!
Yes, I agree. Also good to keep in mind that amyloid in the brain doesn't always correlate with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. We know that from the Nun's Study.