Mind and Diet Update: Processed Foods linked to Depression, High Protein to Alzheimer’s

The news on eating a whole food, primarily plant-based diet just keeps getting better.  Three new studies add more support to the idea that these kinds of foods are good for the brain. The first found that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables—compared to one made up mostly of processed, sweetened foods—lowers the risk of depression by 26%. The second suggests that eating a very high protein diet could actually shrink the brain and increase risk for Alzheimer’s disease.  The third finds a component of extra virgin olive oil may protect against that dreaded disorder.