Vitamin G

Have a Sweet Tooth? Eating Too Much Sugar Can Affect Your Brain Function

Cutting down on desserts and sweet snacks isn't just a solid move for heart health—it may actually benefit your brain, according to a new study published in the journal Neuroscience. Researchers from Oregon State University determined that eating too much fat or sugar could impair your brain function, including cognitive flexibility, a.k.a. your mind's ability to adapt to changing situations. The way it works is a little unexpected: It starts deep in your belly. Sugar and fat can affect the bacteria inside your gut. According to the researchers, the bacteria there can release compounds that act as neurotransmitters to other parts of your body, from your immune system to your brain. Too much fat and sugar was linked to lower-than-average brain function as a result. The effect seemed to be strongest in those whose diets that have soaring levels of sugar—these people had problems with learning, as well as both long- and short-term memory. We're interested in learning more about this, so don't panic yet. But since eating tons of fat and sugar isn't healthy any way you slice it, there's no harm in cutting back. So if you're feeling fuzzy-brained and often reach for a latte to perk up

Cutting down on desserts and sweet snacks isn't just a solid move for heart health—it may actually benefit your brain, according to a new study published in the journal Neuroscience.

Researchers from Oregon State University determined that eating too much fat or sugar could impair your brain function, including cognitive flexibility, a.k.a. your mind's ability to adapt to changing situations.

The way it works is a little unexpected: It starts deep in your belly. Sugar and fat can affect the bacteria inside your gut. According to the researchers, the bacteria there can release compounds that act as neurotransmitters to other parts of your body, from your immune system to your brain. Too much fat and sugar was linked to lower-than-average brain function as a result.

The effect seemed to be strongest in those whose diets that have soaring levels of sugar—these people had problems with learning, as well as both long- and short-term memory.

We're interested in learning more about this, so don't panic yet. But since eating tons of fat and sugar isn't healthy any way you slice it, there's no harm in cutting back. So if you're feeling fuzzy-brained and often reach for a latte to perk up at work, step away from the sugary drink or fatty cupcake and go for a short walk or guzzle some water instead; your brain will thank you later.