Whole Grains Can Protect You Against Cognitive Decline

The Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP) study began in 1993 to study dementia and other health conditions among adults aged 65 and older living in the south side of Chicago. Researchers found that whole grain consumption may help protect cognition and memory. Among African American adults, the rates of cognitive decline were almost 40% lower for those in the quintile with the highest consumption compared to those with the lowest consumption of whole grains.

Whole (unrefined) grains are rich in fiber, minerals (e.g., magnesium), B vitamins, vitamin E, and polyphenols which are closely associated with brain health. Refining grains essentially entails scraping off the outer covering (germ and bran) which is rich in these nutrients, leaving only the nutrient-poor starchy interior (endosperm). Refined grains are basically simple carbohydrates - as poor in nutrients and as detrimental for blood glucose levels as table sugar.