Dementia: Beans and legumes may have ‘strongest protective association’ with dementia

“So be sure to add proteins to your plate at each meal, especially plant-based proteins such as beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds.”

The study set out to compare the benefits of eating carbohydrates and protein on the odds of developing cognitive decline later in life.

The analysis of dietary habits of more than 77,000 men and women, who were followed for more than 20 years, suggested the brain-health benefits of protein exceeded those of carbohydrates.

“For example, for every five percent of calories that came from animal protein instead of carbohydrates, there was an 11 percent lower risk for developing dementia,” notes Harvard Health.