Discover How Adding Popcorn to Your Daily Diet Can Lower Your Risk of Dementia

People who include popcorn in their daily diet might have a lower risk of developing dementia, according to a recent study.

The researchers at Rush University in Chicago made this discovery after analyzing a cohort of 3,300 people over a span of six years while assessing their cognitive abilities.

The study revealed that individuals who consumed three ounces or more of whole grains, such as lightly salted popcorn, quinoa, or cereal daily, experienced less cognitive decline compared to those who consumed these foods sparingly.

Interestingly, the observed effect was only prevalent in the study’s black participants, who constituted 60 percent of the study group.

Possible reasons for this effect not being observed in white participants include their underrepresentation in the study or their lower consumption of whole grains in comparison to their black counterparts.

Whole grains are rich in fiber, which slows down sugar absorption into the bloodstream, consequently preventing sugar spikes, plaque buildup in the arteries, and inflammation that can heighten the risk of dementia.

Recent studies have also revealed that consuming a bowl of frosted flakes daily could increase the risk of developing mouth and throat cancer by up to 25 percent.

Presently, over six million Americans are affected by dementia, and this figure is projected to double over the next two decades.

Revealed: The science-backed diet said to slash your risk of dementia 

In an attempt to lower dementia rates, US researchers have developed a diet that has been proven to preserve brain health and reduce the risk of the memory-robbing disease.

The study, published today in Neurology, involved data analysis of 3,300 adults averaging 75 years old without dementia, who participated in the Chicago Health and Aging Project spanning from 1993 to 2012.

They were surveyed every three years regarding their whole grain consumption and administered cognitive and memory assessments.

The testing included memory-related tasks like word recall, number retention, and proper sequence memory.

Participants were then categorized into five groups based on their whole grain intake, and their cognitive scores were compared, revealing a significant difference between the group consuming less than half an ounce per day and those consuming three servings or more.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend a minimum of three servings of whole grains daily, with each serving being equivalent to one ounce, like a slice of bread or half a cup of cooked pasta or rice.

After considering factors such as age, sex, education, and smoking, the researchers concluded that those consuming three or more whole grains per day experienced a slower cognitive decline—an early sign of dementia.

Additionally, black participants were more likely to consume greater amounts of whole grains compared to white participants, with participants reporting 68 percent consumption in black individuals and 38 percent in white participants.

The researchers acknowledged not being certain why whole grain consumption reduced dementia risk, but speculated it was due to its regulation of blood sugar levels or promotion of a healthy gut environment. This would reduce inflammation, damage to blood vessels, and the risk of developing dementia.

People who incorporate whole grains into their diets are also more likely to lead healthy lifestyles through activities such as exercise and sufficient sleep, which also contribute to reducing dementia risk.

However, it’s important to note that the study was observational and could not definitively prove that eating popcorn alone could decrease dementia risk. Additionally, the study did not account for potentially harmful popcorn toppings such as butter and sugar, which could contribute to a higher dementia risk through issues like obesity.

Notably, the study’s limitations included participants self-reporting their diets without substantive evidence of their whole grain consumption.

Dr Xiaoran Liu, the lead researcher, commented on the study, stating, ‘With Alzheimer’s disease and dementia affecting millions of Americans, finding ways to prevent the disease is a high public health priority. It’s exciting to see that people could potentially lower their risk of dementia by increasing their diet of whole grains by a couple of servings a day.’