Mediterranean Diet May Support 'Healthy Aging,' Says Study This is according to an analysis found in the British Medical Journal, 'Gut.'
The Mediterranean Diet puts an emphasis on vegetables, olive oil, fish, fruits and nuts.
As one of the world's healthiest diets, it calls for low intakes of saturated fats, red meat and dairy items. 612 subjects were used for the study, all ranging from 65 to 79 years old.
The participants, who hailed from five different countries in Europe, were categorized based on their frailties.
Those who stuck to the eating plan after a year showed an increase of "good bacteria" in their guts and a jump in bacteria linked to better brain health.
Subjects also reported faster walking speed and improved grip strength.
Duke Diet and Fitness Center nutrition director Elisabetta Politi says this study shows how the diet achieves results within one's body.
Elisabetta Politi, via 'USA Today'