On July 30, 2025, Professor Giuseppe Grosso, a leading scholar in human nutrition from the University of Catania, Italy, and Chair of the Food and Nutrition Section of the European Public Health Association, delivered an academic lecture titled “Dietary Polyphenols and Brain Health” at the School of Food and Biological Engineering. Faculty members and student representatives attended the session.
Professor Grosso is internationally recognized for his work in evidence-based nutrition, with a research focus on the relationship between diet and major chronic non-communicable diseases. His studies aim to synthesize scientific evidence to inform policy-oriented research in public health nutrition. In his lecture, Professor Grosso highlighted the essential role of nutrition in maintaining central nervous system health and preventing cognitive decline and mental disorders. He explained that unhealthy dietary habits contribute to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunction, which increase the risk of neuropsychiatric conditions. He emphasized that adhering to healthy dietary patterns, particularly the Mediterranean diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and extra virgin olive oil—has been associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline, dementia, and depressive symptoms. Key components such as dietary polyphenols may exert beneficial effects through gut microbiota modulation and other physiological mechanisms. Conversely, excessive consumption of highly processed foods can disrupt gut ecology and neuropsychological balance, potentially elevating depression risk, especially among young people.
The lecture offered rich scientific insights and cutting-edge perspectives, deepening participants’ understanding of the interplay between nutrition and brain health. Following the session, Professor Grosso engaged in an in-depth discussion with faculty and students on nutritional interventions, mental health promotion, and future collaborative research opportunities. (School of Food and Biological Engineering)
