If you’re looking for ways to keep your brain healthy as you age, avoiding a high-fat diet may be something to consider. A recent study found that consuming a high-fat diet for a long time can shrink the brain.
The good news is that switching to a healthier diet can reverse the effects. So, if you’re concerned about preserving your mental function and waistline as you get older, it’s important to ensure your diet includes plenty of healthy fats and other nutrients.
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UniSA neuroscientists led the study to help establish a clear link between a high-fat diet and deterioration in cognitive abilities. Mice were randomly selected to consume a standard or high-fat diet for 30 weeks, starting at eight weeks of age. Body w§eight, glucose levels, and food intake were monitored at different intervals. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests and cognitive dysfunction were also analyzed.
It was found that the mice on the high-fat diet gained a lot of weight, started having behavioral problems, and developed insulin resistance compared to those fed a standard diet. Mice genetically modified to develop Alzheimer’s disease showed a significant deterioration of pathological and cognition in the brain while on the high-fat diet.
This study established a clear link between high-fat diets and a deterioration in cognitive abilities, including anxiety, depression, and worsening Alzheimer’s disease. It was also noted that mice were more likely to gain excessive weight due to poor metabolism caused by changes in the brain.
Associate Professor Larisa Bobrovskaya said, “Our findings underline the importance of addressing the global obesity epidemic. A combination of obesity, age, and diabetes is very likely to lead to a decline in cognitive abilities, Alzheimer’s disease and other mental health disorders.”
Healthy Brain Function
While some degree of cognitive decline is nearly inevitable as you age, this study shows how other factors can take a toll on the ability of the brain to function at peak potential. This can affect memory, concentration, and overall brain function.
The Smart Pill can help to enhance cognitive function and memory through 9 ingredients that help to support, nourish, and maximize brain health. These include ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, bacopa extract, rosemary extract, and a B vitamin complex. The formulation of these ingredients is an excellent way to help fight free radicals, boost circulation, and provide nutritional support to assist with cognitive function.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
