I’ve written a lot about fats, which ones are good, which ones are bad, and the ratio in which you should eat them. I’ve written about what fatty acids do to you physically, but recently a study came out that showed other ramifications. The study concluded that saturated fats can hinder the ability to concentrate.
The study concluded that eating just one meal high in saturated fat can hinder the ability to concentrate. The researchers were surprised that after eating one meal high in saturated fat, the effect was fairly clear. Most research previously had focused on long term impacts of eating saturated fats.
The meal had 930 calories comprised of eggs, biscuits, turkey sausage and gravy which contained 60 grams of fat. The high-fat meal followed: eggs, biscuits, turkey sausage and gravy containing 60 grams of fat, either a palmitic acid-based oil high in saturated fat or the lower-saturated-fat sunflower oil.
More research needs to be done to determine exactly what is the relationship between saturated fats and its impact on the body. Previously research has shown that saturated fats can drive up inflammation throughout the body, and possibly the brain. What was previously known is that fatty acids can cross the blood-brain barrier.
One of the researchers found that “it could be that fatty acids are interacting with the brain directly. What it does show is the power of gut-related dysregulation,” she said. The researchers indicated that concentration could be even more impaired in people stressed by the pandemic who are turning to fatty foods for comfort.”
So next time that you’re stressed, instead of going for that comfort food that is high-saturated-fat laden, choose the food that will help your memory. As I noted in a previous blog this month, we know that depression and anxiety can interfere with concentration so why make it worse with eating foods filled with saturated fats.
In conclusion, stick with a healthy diet and with your exercise routine. If you need more information, DM me for ideas….