Fatty Foods Offer "Memory Boost"

As we all know, there are very few health benefits associated with diets high in fat. On the bright side, recent findings indicate that burgers and fries may have at least ONE positive thing going for then. A research team at the University of California has discovered that through the stomach's process of breaking down fats there may be added benefits to your brain.

In the gut, oleic acid from fats may be converted to oleoylethanolamide (OEA). High levels of OEA have been shown to "reduce appetite, promote weight loss, and lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels." In addition, OEA research has shown it to be a "memory-enhancing agent." OEA causes memories to be created by increasing the activity of signals and pathways in the amygdala.

In the lab, giving OEA to rats improved their memory retention and allowed them to perform specific tasks, such as running through a maze and avoiding unpleasant experiences, with more proficiency than rats that were deprived of the OEA drug. While the effects have not been tested in humans, these findings open the doors to potential treatment research for diseases such as Alzheimer's. Despite these findings, the researchers argue that a balanced, healthy diet is still the best solution to maintain a healthy mind and body.

I found this article interesting because it touches on the functions of the GI, as well as the neural pathways and interactions that occur between the GI tract and the brain. In this sense, it pertains to some of the materials that has been discussed in class. I also personally found the idea of fatty foods boosting the memory making capabilities of individuals oddly intriguing.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8020218.stm

-Shawn Schepel
VTPP 435-501