Can Burgers and Fries Boost Memory?
June 30th 2009 17:22
A recent study in rats reports that components of fatty foods (oleic acids) may be converted to memory-enhancing agents in the gut. Dr. Daniele Piomelli, a researcher at the University of California at Irvine, found that oleic acid improved memory in rats in two different tests – navigating a maze and avoiding unpleasant experiences.
To investigate how oleic acid was improving memory, the researchers blocked oleic acid with drugs. This revealed that when the rats were given certain drugs that block activation of the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight response), the performance benefits of oleic acids disappeared. Therefore, the researchers speculate that this response is related to emotional arousal.
Oleic acids contribute to feelings of fullness after a meal. This may have aided early humans to locate and remember the context of a fatty meal.
This finding may lead to new treatments for humans with memory impairments. Other labs have not replicated this preliminary finding independently. Additionally this effect has not been shown in humans. Therefore, it is probably unwise to load up on burgers and fries in an effort to help you on your next exam!
Original Reference can be found at: The Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences
To investigate how oleic acid was improving memory, the researchers blocked oleic acid with drugs. This revealed that when the rats were given certain drugs that block activation of the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight response), the performance benefits of oleic acids disappeared. Therefore, the researchers speculate that this response is related to emotional arousal.
Oleic acids contribute to feelings of fullness after a meal. This may have aided early humans to locate and remember the context of a fatty meal.
This finding may lead to new treatments for humans with memory impairments. Other labs have not replicated this preliminary finding independently. Additionally this effect has not been shown in humans. Therefore, it is probably unwise to load up on burgers and fries in an effort to help you on your next exam!
Original Reference can be found at: The Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences
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