Unhealthy diet quickly affects memory
A study from the University of North Carolina Medical School found that a typical Western diet high in saturated fats can negatively impact memory even before excess pounds appear. Excess activity of hippocampal CCK-interneurons destroys the formation and storage of memories, the journal Neuron reported.
Scientists explained that by the fourth day of consuming fatty foods, brain cells begin to malfunction due to insufficient glucose supply. This quickly affects memory, even over a short period.
“We knew that nutrition and metabolism affect brain health, but we did not expect that hippocampal CCK-interneurons would be affected so quickly. We were most surprised that even a short-term deterioration in glucose supply immediately worsened memory,” said Professor Juan Song.
Meanwhile, restoring glucose levels in the brain normalizes cell function and restores memory, indicating the possibility of correction through dietary changes or intermittent fasting.
Careful nutrition is the key to memory
Scientists plan to continue research to study how these cells influence brain rhythms that support memory and to check if diets that stabilize glucose levels can protect against dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Recall that dinner is important for health. Experts recommend having the last meal a few hours before sleep to improve sleep and metabolism.
Summary:
Research has shown that an unhealthy diet high in saturated fats can negatively affect memory even before excess weight appears. The activity of certain brain cells starts to suffer just a few days after consuming not-so-healthy food. However, normalizing glucose levels in the brain can help restore memory, offering prospects for dietary correction and food intake.