Magnesium-Rich Plant Foods Are Beneficial for the Brain

Diets high in magnesium-containing plant foods may be protective against brain matter loss associated with age, according to a new study published in The European Journal of Nutrition. This study conducted in the UK followed approximately 6,000 participants above the age of 40 and found that those who consumed magnesium-rich foods, like leafy greens and nuts, had larger brain volumes and better brain health, particularly when these foods were consumed over several years. This effect was particularly significant among premenopausal women.¹ Other studies have suggested that plant-based diets may improve cognition, executive function, and memory, possibly by reducing inflammation.²