The Mediterranean diet has been recommended as a healthy diet to follow. For example, the Mayo Clinic's website notes that the Mediterranean diet is a heart healthy diet. The Mediterranean diet can also help keep your brain healthy, and may protect the brain during the aging process. HealthDay News reports that in a new study, 4,000 adults ages 65 and over were given cognitive tests every three years during a 15-year testing period. Because of their ages and the amount of time the testing spanned, aging caused decline in cognitive functions, such as memory. However, participants who followed the Mediterranean diet had less cognitive decline when compared to the other participants. The Mediterranean diet is more than just food: it also incorporates exercise and beverages. For example, the researchers of the cognitive aging study recommends regular physical activity as part of maintaining healthy cognitive function. Wine, and red wine in particular, is also part of the Mediterranean diet, though people who do not drink alcohol do not need to include this in their diet. The wine contains antioxidants and reduces blood clotting.