Junk Food Diet Linked To Alzheimer’s Disease

A junk food diets with a lot of trans fats may lead to brain shrinkage linked to Alzheimer’s, whilst consumption of foods rich in vitamins may protect against the illness, according to a newly published study.

After many years of campaigning against junk foods it is great to see yet another study that shows just how harmful they are. Dr Gene Bowman of Oregon Health & Science University has just published his research in the journal Neurology.

Bowman found that older people with diets that included a lot of trans fats are more likely to show brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer’s disease than people who consume less of these artery-damaging fats. He and his colleagues also found that those with more vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids in their blood had less brain shrinkage and better mental performance.

Trans fats are made by the hydrogenation of vegetable oils that makes them more solid and easy to use in food manufacture and food industry loves them because they extend the shelf life of their products.

It is well known that these synthetic fats raise levels of LDL, (bad) cholesterol, reduce HDL, (good) cholesterol and so they are a major cause of heart disease – worse in fact than the saturated animal fats. Switzerland and some US cities like New York have banned their use in schools, restaurants and all state facilities.

Surprise, surprise, the UK Government has failed to legislate, preferring to suggest voluntary action by industry. Obviously their fear of losing the support and cash donations of the food giants is greater than their responsibility for their care of the people.

Trans fats are bad for your heart and your brain, so avoid them at all costs. Read labels and reject any product that includes the terms ’trans fats, hydrogenated fats or hydrogenated oils or partially hydrogenated oils.’ Take care as they are everywhere from cakes and biscuits to soup powder, desserts and ready meals. I am pleased to say that most of the major retailers have been far more responsible and have removed trans fats from their own label goods. No trans fats in your diet also reduces your risk of dying from heart disease by 25%.

Yet again the principle of Naturopaths like me and my colleagues has been proved 100% true - You are what you eat. So if you want to keep your brain sharp and stop it from shrinking, eat lots of oily fish, organic meat and poultry and plenty of fruit, veg and salads - it isn’t rocket science!