The Effects of the MIND Diet on Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Neurodegenerative Risk Biomarkers

American football is a high-contact sport, also known as a collision sport. American football players are exposed to various magnitudes and frequencies of head impacts throughout the season. Accordingly, during the American football season, there is an increase in biomarkers that may be associated with brain damage and the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases later in life. In addition, oxidative stress and inflammation can also increase in athletes during the American football season. This study was planned with the thought that the MIND diet, which is beneficial for brain health with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, may have positive effects on oxidative stress, inflammation and neurodegenerative risk biomarkers in American football players. The goal of this clinical trial is to examine the effects of the MIND diet on oxidative stress, inflammation and neurodegenerative risk biomarkers in American football players. The main question it aims to answer are: • \[Question\] Does the MIND diet lowers or reduce the levels of oxidative stress, inflammation and neurodegenerative risk biomarkers in American football players? Participants will be randomized into 2 groups MIND diet and control group. The current diet of the players in the control group will not be interfered with during the competition period, but the current nutrition of the players in the MIND diet group will be adapted to the MIND diet according to the food groups in the MIND diet components and their consumption frequencies. The players in the MIND diet group will be asked to include the food groups in the MIND diet in their diet in accordance with their consumption frequency. Researchers will compare the MIND diet and control groups to see if the MIND diet improves oxidative stress, inflammation and neurodegenerative risk biomarkers.