In an effort to tackle the growing brain health crisis, global foodservice provider Sodexo has launched a new white paper in collaboration with Social Impact Partners’ Global Brain Health Initiative. Titled “The Vibrant Mind: A Guide to Neuroprotective Nutrition,” the report reviews a wide range of clinical studies and presents a simplified approach to eating for brain health. This research highlights the importance of specific nutrients and dietary patterns that support cognitive function and could help prevent neurological decline over time.
Sodexo, which serves 80 million consumers globally every day, emphasises that what we eat is crucial to maintaining brain health throughout life. “What’s on your plate matters for your brain health,” said Marc Plumart, Chief Growth and Commercial Officer at Sodexo. “As a leader in foodservice, we’re committed to using evidence-based insights to improve lives. With our global reach, we are uniquely positioned to help address the brain health crisis.”
The white paper is the result of an extensive review of 250 clinical studies on brain health, focusing on dietary patterns, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and the role of essential nutrients. The research led to the development of a neuroprotective diet designed to make it easier for individuals to nourish their brains through everyday eating habits. This diet encourages the consumption of green leafy vegetables, berries, whole grains, omega-3-rich fish, plant-based proteins, and healthy fats while limiting processed foods, added sugars, and high sodium intake.
Vibrant Minds: A New Dining Concept
Building on these findings, Sodexo is rolling out its innovative Vibrant Minds dining concept in senior-living communities and hospitals across the United States. The new programme includes more than 400 specially crafted recipes that promote brain health while offering delicious and nutritious meals.
According to Dr. Gene Bowman, Clinical Trials Director at the McCance Center for Brain Health at Massachusetts General Hospital and Neurology Faculty at Harvard Medical School, the research team discovered that a diet focused on the right nutrients could play a significant role in protecting the brain. “The neuroprotective diet we developed ensures key nutrients are readily available to the brain, potentially offering protective benefits that could rival clinical-tested diets like the MIND diet,” he explained.
The MIND diet, which combines elements of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets, has been shown to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Simplifying Brain-Boosting Choices
Sodexo’s Senior Area Clinical Support Manager, Mindi Manuel, highlighted the importance of simplifying dietary choices for consumers in a complex nutritional landscape. “We’re committed to making brain-boosting choices accessible and manageable while continuing to collaborate with scientists to advance the field,” she said.
Recent studies also reinforce the impact of diet on overall health. Research involving 21,561 individuals found that plant-based diets positively influence the microbiome and lead to improved cardiometabolic health. The popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets is on the rise, with more people recognising their benefits for both the body and the brain.
Meanwhile, scientists have further explored the dangers of industrialised diets, which are often high in processed foods and low in fibre. Research published in the journal Cell suggests that mimicking eating habits from non-industrialised communities could help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
As Sodexo continues to drive change in foodservice, its focus on neuroprotective nutrition offers a practical way for individuals to eat for better brain health — an important step in addressing the challenges posed by the brain health epidemic.
Read more:
https://www.sodexo.com/blog/our-everyday-stories/reports/guide-to-neuroprotective-nutrition
