June 20, 2002

HIGH FAT

AND YOUR BRAIN

High fat food is dangerous for your heart and adds unwelcome pounds. Most Americans know that fat is harmful but continue to consume fast foods, which are notoriously high in fat. Research has shown that a high fat diet could be bad for the brain as well one’s heart.

Research concludes that the chronic consumption of high fat diets is associated with cognitive deficits. It was discovered that rats fed a low fat diet have better memory than those fed a diet with excessive high fat.

In a study published in the March 2001 issue of the Journal Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, Greenwood and Winocur have identified what they believe is so damaging about high-fat diets to thinking and that is GLUCOSE. Or rather, a lack of glucose.

Their hypothesis is that a high-fat diet impairs glucose metabolism in the brain. For memory processing there is an apparent exceptional need for glucose in the brain. When brain cells are working, they're actively firing and that's a high energy-demanding process. Glucose is what provides the needed energy.

Quote >>> Greenwood and Winocur administered glucose to rats already showing memory deficits from a high-fat diet. These rats showed substantial improvement on cognitive tasks after the glucose was administered. Particularly affected were tasks involving hippocampal function, an area of the brain responsible for long and short-term memory. Greenwood and Winocur point out that rats on a low-fat diet showed no gains from the glucose supplement, which would seem to further the point. <<<END OF QUOTE

Some links to explore >>>>>>

NEW STUDIES SHOW
STRONG LINKS BETWEEN DIET, BEHAVIOR

http://www.kidscanlearn.net/artcri.htm

Behaviors Hidden Problem:food sensitivities

http://www.kidscanlearn.net/food.htm

IT'S YOUR CHOICE

Growing brains are more susceptible to any kind of interruption in “normal” development. Is it worth it to continue eating a HIGH FAT diet when research says it is detrimental to your BRAIN? I think NOT!

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DISCLAIMER

This information is for educational purposes only. Much of the information is from classes and workshops I’ve taken during my 30+ years of working with ADD & ADHD students – sprinkled with my own comments, thoughts and insights.

Additionally, much of this information is a direct result of research done for workshops I've presented (or have been asked to present). CLICK TO SEE MY WORKSHOP OFFERINGS.

Some information has been acquired from the INTERNET. Be aware that not all information on the WWW is accurate. Use your own judgment.

This information is not intended to replace information from your doctor, therapist, lawyer, psychologist, nutritionist or psychiatrist. Consult your child’s (or your own) doctor for additional input.

Editor: BJ Madewell

Email ADDchoices@aol.com or ADDchoices@yahoo.com

www.ADDchoices.com

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BJ Madewell