Even a single meal high in saturated fats can negatively impact the cardiovascular system and disrupt the regulation of blood flow to the brain, warn British and Japanese scientists in a study published in The Journal of Nutritional Physiology. The experiment involved 41 healthy men—20 young and 21 elderly. Their vascular and brain blood flow measurements were taken before and four hours after a standard high-fat breakfast, which included cream, sugar, and syrup.
Following the meal, all participants experienced increased levels of triglycerides, glucose, and insulin in their blood. These changes coincided with a decrease in blood vessel elasticity and an impaired ability of the brain to maintain stable blood circulation despite fluctuations in blood pressure. This effect was observed in both age groups but was particularly pronounced in the older participants.
The researchers note that impaired dynamic cerebral autoregulation makes the brain more vulnerable to pressure changes and reduces its protection against ischemia. This condition can elevate the risk of stroke and contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in older individuals, whose autoregulatory mechanisms already function less efficiently.
The study`s findings suggest that regular and abundant consumption of saturated fats may have a cumulative detrimental effect. Scientists advise preferring foods with low saturated fat content, emphasizing that even a single excessive intake of such food can temporarily worsen vascular and brain function.
Furthermore, previous research has indicated that extended intervals between meals might slow the progression of Alzheimer`s disease.
