Wednesday, February 13, 2013

High-sugar diet makes a dull brain, a new study reveals

Sugar lovers, be warned. A study published in the Journal of Physiology provides another reason to lessen the intake of sugar, stipulating that a high-fructose diet may not only lead to obesity, but also exacerbates cognitive abilities leading to poor learning and memory deficits.

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In their series of experiments, the researchers observed that rats fed with a diet lacking omega-3 fatty acids and high in sugar demonstrated lowered learning performance and poor memory during a Barnes maze test. The researchers then reported that this type of diet increases (1) insulin and triglyceride levels, and (2) insulin resistance index -- determinants of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The high-fructose diet affected insulin receptor signalling and synaptic plasticity, leading to metabolic dysfunction and impaired cognitive abilities.

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The study also showed that the lack of essential fatty acids raises the risk for metabolic dysfunction, implying that a supplementation of omega-3 fatty acid can be consequential to counteract the harmful effects of unhealthy eating habits such as poor learning and memory deficits.

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Experts advise including the following food items in one’s diet to improve brain health:

  • Nuts
  • Fish
  • Soybeans
  • Tomato juice and spaghetti sauce
  • Olive oil, nut oils, fish oils, flaxseed and avocados

A critical part of Dr. Aria Sabit’s job as neurosurgeon is to help educate patients on brain health. This Facebook page links to more articles and studies on brain health and neurosurgery.

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