According to a recent study done by the Duke University, following the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet doesn’t only help promote a healthy heart, it also boosts the brain’s function.

The researcher’s analyzed the effects of the DASH diet on blood pressure as well as its effects on cognitive function.  The study also has a significant implication for slowing down or reversing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

The research team followed 124 men and women who had mild to moderate high blood pressure who are not taking medication.  The subjects were divided into three groups.  One group followed the DASH diet alone; the other group followed the DASH diet with aerobic exercise and calorie restriction while the third group followed no particular diet or exercise program.  The groups were then asked to perform paper-and-pencil exams as quickly as possible.

Results revealed that the subjects who followed the DASH diet combined with exercise and calorie restriction had an overall 30% improvement in mental function.  The participants also loss weight and their systolic and diastolic blood pressure declined.