A Mediterranean Diet with Fresh, Lean Pork Improves Processing Speed and Mood: Cognitive Findings from the MedPork Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: The Mediterranean diet may be capable of improving cognitive function. However, the red meat restrictions of the diet could impact long-term adherence in Western populations. The current study therefore examined the cognitive effects of a Mediterranean diet with additional red meat. Methods: A 24-week parallel crossover design compared a Mediterranean diet with 2–3 weekly servings of fresh, lean pork (MedPork) and a low-fat (LF) control diet. Thirty-five participants aged between 45 and 80 years and at risk of cardiovascular disease followed each intervention for 8 weeks, separated by an 8-week washout period. Cognitive function was assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Psychological well-being was measured through the SF-36 Health Survey and mood was measured using the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Results: During the MedPork intervention, participants consumed an average of 3 weekly servings of fresh pork. Compared to LF, the MedPork intervention led to higher processing speed performance (p = 0.01) and emotional role functioning (p = 0.03). No other significant differences were observed between diets. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that a Mediterranean diet inclusive of fresh, lean pork can be adhered to by an older non-Mediterranean population while leading to positive cognitive outcomes.

Mediterranean Diet and the Emotional Well-Being of Students of the Campus of Melilla (University of Granada)

“…According to some authors [ 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ], consumption of fruits, vegetables, and legumes are related to lower levels of stress and greater resilience. An increase in the consumption of these foods produces an improvement in inflammation and physiological processes, which are closely linked to well-being and a lower risk of depression [ 52 , 53 , 54 ]. Ferrer-Casales et al [ 18 ] found that omega-3 fatty acids, present in fish, nuts, and grains and the group of B vitamins found in fruits and vegetables are the most important nutrients for the functioning of the central nervous system, such as for neurotransmission, for gene expression, and for an adequate mood.…”

The association between protein consumption from animal and plant sources with psychological distress in older people in the Mediterranean region

“…The findings of the Sup-porting the Modification of lifestyles in Lowered Emotional States (SMILES) trial, where education was provided to individuals with depression to consume an Australian-modified Mediterranean-style diet, found reduced depressive symptoms after twelve weeks [14]. Similarly, the Med Pork study also improved cognitive function in an Australian sample, promoting inclusion of lean pork as part of a Mediterranean dietary pattern over 24 weeks [39]. The Mediterranean-DASH diet intervention for neurodegenerative delay (MIND) has been shown to reduce risk of cognitive decline recommending moderate meat consumption (2-3 servings/week, up to 2 servings from red meat) [40].…”

Translation of a Mediterranean-Style Diet into the Australian Dietary Guidelines: A Nutritional, Ecological and Environmental Perspective

“…In contrast, separate analyses from the MedDairy [39] and MedPork [41] studies revealed that a MedDiet intervention supplemented with either dairy or pork improved cognitive and psychological well-being when compared against a low-fat control diet [44,45]. Specifically, in the MedDairy study the investigators showed that adherence to a MedDiet supplemented with additional dairy foods significantly increased processing speed ( p = 0.04) as assessed against the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) and significantly reduced scores for total mood disturbance ( p = 0.01), tension ( p = 0.03), depression ( p = 0.03), anger ( p = 0.02) and confusion ( p = 0.01) as assessed by the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire [44].…”

“…Specifically, in the MedDairy study the investigators showed that adherence to a MedDiet supplemented with additional dairy foods significantly increased processing speed ( p = 0.04) as assessed against the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) and significantly reduced scores for total mood disturbance ( p = 0.01), tension ( p = 0.03), depression ( p = 0.03), anger ( p = 0.02) and confusion ( p = 0.01) as assessed by the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire [44]. Similarly, in the MedPork study, adherence to a MedDiet intervention significantly increased processing speed ( p = 0.01) as assessed against CANTAB and significantly increased scores for emotional role functioning when assessed against the SF-36 Health Survey for psychological well-being [45]. In contrast however, separate analyses from the MedLey study [36], revealed no evidence of a beneficial effect when adopting a MedDiet intervention on cognitive performance in healthy older adults [43].…”