Sodexo promotes “neuroprotective diet” in foodservice to simplify eating for brain health

Foodservice provider Sodexo has released its latest white paper reviewing the ongoing brain health crisis in partnership with Social Impact Partners’ Global Brain Health Initiative. “The Vibrant Mind: A Guide to Neuroprotective Nutrition” is a detailed analysis of clinical studies that compares new methods of blood testing and nutrient biomarkers to existing brain health diets. 

The result is a new neuroprotective diet that “simplifies the science for people who want to eat for lifelong brain health.”

“What’s on your plate matters for your brain health,” says Sodexo’s chief growth and commercial officer, Marc Plumart.

“As a leader in foodservice, feeding 80 million consumers daily across the globe, we invest in research to ensure we lead, and serve, using evidence-based insights. Sodexo is in the unique and impactful position of making a measurable difference in solving the brain health epidemic.”

The research team reviewed 250 clinical studies on dietary patterns, the role of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, and the impact of specific nutrients on brain function.

The resulting neuroprotective diet focuses on intake of green leafy vegetables, berries, whole grains, fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, plant-based protein, and healthy unsaturated fats. In addition, the company says that brain-healthy dietary patterns limit consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods, sodium, and added sugars. 

New “Vibrant Minds” dining concept

In response to these findings, Sodexo and Social Impact Partners propose a neuroprotective diet to address opportunities in current brain health-focused diets. These often exclude omega-3 fatty acids and overlook the harmful effects of high sodium intake, both critical factors for maintaining brain health at all ages.

Inspired by the new neuroprotective diet, Sodexo will unveil its newest dining concept, Vibrant Minds, at senior-living communities and hospitals across the US. With over 400 newly designed recipes showcasing the power of food, Sodexo aims to positively impact brain health while providing nutritious and delicious options for residents and patients.

“We set up a framework and reviewed the scientific literature, ranging from cell models where nutrient effects were studied to large population studies where people were asked how frequently they consumed a particular food to studies of nutrient biomarkers and their combinations,” says Dr. Gene Bowman, clinical trials director at the McCance Center for Brain Health at Massachusetts General Hospital and Neurology Faculty at Harvard Medical School.

“We were surprised to learn that the outcome of the effort was something novel, a ‘neuroprotective diet’ that should make all the key nutrients readily available to the brain for consumption. It is hypothetically neuroprotective and should be tested much like the MIND diet was clinical trial tested.”

The MIND diet is a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets.

“Sodexo is simplifying dietary choices in a complex world of science,” adds Sodexo’s senior area clinical support manager, Mindi Manuel.

“At the same time, we are committed to being a part of the community of researchers and scientists who do the work and take meaningful action.”

In other dietary research, a recent study of 21,561 people found that plant-based diets shape healthier microbiomes and have better cardiometabolic outcomes. Omnivore, vegetarian, and vegan diets are gaining popularity and are spotlighted for making a positive impact.

Meanwhile, scientists writing in the journal Cell developed a diet mimicking eating habits in non-industrialized communities that can significantly reduce the risk of a number of chronic diseases. They confirm that industrialized diets — high in processed foods and low in fiber — have contributed to a substantial rise in chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease in affluent countries such as Ireland.