What is brain volume? Brain volume is also called “cranial volume”. The size of the cranial cavity, or brain volume as it is called, is measured in milliliters. In terms of the volume of the cranial cavity, the human cranial volume can be about 1500ml. Compared to non-human primate species, the human brain is highly developed, which is mainly reflected in the variation of brain volume. For example, human brain volume is 20.6 times higher than that of macaques, 14.4 times higher than that of gibbons, and 4.3 times higher than that of chimpanzees. Brain volume is associated with cognitive abilities Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain imaging studies have shown that brain volume has high heritability and is highly correlated with cognitive abilities such as IQ and memory. In addition, patients with a variety of psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia) experience significant reductions in brain volume. A study published in the New England Journal in 2015 found that adherence to a Mediterranean diet improved cognitive function in patients. In response to this finding, researchers at Columbia University conducted a trial aimed at finding a possible anatomical link. MRI of the brains of 674 older adults In this community-based, multi-ethnic study, which included a total of 674 non-demented older adults (average age 80), researchers collected information about their diets as well as MRI results. The results of the study were also compared between participants who adhered to the Mediterranean diet and those who did not. Participants in both groups were similar in age, gender, race, disease history and cognitive function. After correcting for multiple possible confounding factors, the study found that adherence to: brain volume, total gray matter volume and total white matter volume were significantly larger in participants on the Mediterranean diet. Higher intake of fish and lower intake of red meat was strongly correlated with greater brain volume. Diet – five years younger The brain sites with strong correlations with diet included the cingulate cortex, parietal lobe, temporal lobe and hippocampus. Older participants who adhered to the Mediterranean diet had brain volumes comparable to those of participants five years younger who did not adhere to the Mediterranean diet. A five years younger mind brings more vitality to life. Mediterranean diet There are many studies on the Mediterranean diet, which refers to a style of eating based on fish, vegetables and fruits, grains and legumes, and olive oil.