Study Shows High Fat Meals Cause Memory Decline

Study Shows High Fat Meals Cause Memory Decline

Heating meals high in fat can trigger and worsen the memory decline associated with Alzheimer's disease, according to a study on diabetics conducted by researchers from the Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied Research Unit at Baycrest and published in the journal Nutrition Research.

It is well known that high-fat foods can increase concentrations of free radicals in the body. These oxidizing molecules cause cell damage and are associated with various symptoms of aging, including cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Because diabetics are known to be particularly susceptible to chronic oxidative stress, researchers carried out a study on 16 Type 2 diabetes patients over the age of 49.

The participants were fed three different meals, one at each of three different weekly sessions. A control meal consisted of only water, while the high-fat meal consisted of a danish with cheddar cheese, yogurt and whipped cream. The third meal contained the same food as the high-fat meal, plus a 1,000 milligram tablet of vitamin C and an 800 IU tablet of vitamin E.

Vitamin C and E are antioxidants, which remove free radicals from the body.

Starting 15 minutes after the beginning of each meal, participants were tested on their ability to remember words and other information that they had heard or read, for a total of 90 minutes. Those who had eaten the high-fat meal scored significantly worse both immediately and 90 minutes after the meal than those in the water or high-fat-plus-vitamins groups.

No memory decline was observed in the vitamin group.

"Our bottom line is that consuming unhealthy meals for those with diabetes can temporarily ... worsen already underlying memory problems," lead author Michael Herman Chui said. "We've shown that antioxidant vitamins can minimize oxidative stress from the meal and reduce those immediate memory deficits."

But the researchers emphasized that people should not rely on vitamin pills to make up for unhealthy habits.

"While our study looked at the pill form of antioxidants, we would ultimately want individuals to consume healthier foods high in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables," researcher Carol Greenwood said.

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Dangerous Chemicals in Food

Dangerous Chemicals in Food

Did you know that some of the foods we are ingesting are actually harmful to us? Lots of food we eat are loaded with potentially harmful chemical additives, preservatives and other dangerous substances.
A good rule of thumb to follow is that if you have to eat anything with these food additives in them, make sure you do so in moderation.

BHA and BHT
BHA and BHT stands for Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). These are food additives that are used as a preservative to keep food from spoilage. BHA and BHT can be found in butter, meats, chewing gum, snack foods, dehydrated potatoes, and even beer. These additives are approved by the FDA as safe for human consumption. However, they are proven carcinogens. There is proof that some people have difficulty metabolizing BHA and this can result in health and behavioral changes.

Saccharin
Sweet n Low is a common brand name of saccharin. It is a sugar substitute. Its purpose is to give a no-calorie substitute for sugar. The problem is that it is proven to cause cancer of the bladder, uterus, and even cancer of the blood vessels.

Sodium Nitrite and Sodium Nitrate
This food additive is commonly used in hotdogs and cold-cuts to preserve their color and flavor. They are also used to prevent botulism, which is a fatal disease that comes from food.
The problem with sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate is they are known to cause cancer. They cause nitrosamines to form in our intestines, and that are definitely a culprit for cancer.

Acesulfamfe-K
Acesulfame-K, much like saccharin, is a sugar substitute. It is commonly used in chewing gum, gelatin dessert, baked goods, and soft drinks. It may also cause cancer, as it has been found in laboratory studies with rats. Acesulfame-K breaks down into acetoacetamide, which causes thyroid problems in rats, rabbits and dogs.

Olestra
Olestra is a fat substitute that makes fattening foods fat-free. It is not absorbed by the body so it causes digestion problems, such as diarrhea and loose stools. It hinders the body’s ability to absorb beneficial nutrients as well.

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Best foods

I'm veering a little away from my usual stuff today.

The 10 Best Foods You Aren't Eating

* Cabbage
* Beets
* Guava
* Swiss Chard
* Cinnamon
* Purslane
* Pomegranate Juice
* Goji Berries
* Dried Plums
* Pumpkin Seeds
* Antioxidants, Explained

Although some guys aren't opposed to smoking some weed, most wouldn't think of eating one. It's a shame, really, since a succulent weed named purslane is not only delicious but also among the world's healthiest foods.

Of course, there are many superfoods that never see the inside of a shopping cart. Some you've never heard of, and others you've simply forgotten about. That's why we've rounded up the best of the bunch. Make a place for them on your table and you'll instantly upgrade your health—without a prescription.

To read more about these healthy foods, go to men's health