A recent study published in Chemical Senses reveals that adhering to a healthy plant-based diet is linked to better olfactory function and a lower risk of hyposmia (impaired sense of smell). Researchers analyzed data from 6,690 participants of the Cooperative Health Research in South Tyrol (CHRIS) study. They assessed dietary patterns using validated indices (Alternate Healthy Eating Index, Mediterranean diet index, Plant-based dietary index) and measured olfactory function with the Sniffin’Sticks odor identification test. The findings showed that higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, coffee, and tea was beneficially associated with both better olfactory function and lower rates of hyposmia. This suggests that a diet rich in plant-based foods may play a role in maintaining sensory health as we age.
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