Fructose leads to a deterioration in learning and memorization
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Fructose weakens the synaptic connections between neurons of the brain, which leads to a deterioration in learning and memorization.
Everybody has known for a long time that the brain lives on the sweet: its energy needs are completely satisfied with carbohydrates. But, as demonstrated by the research of employees of the California Institute in Los Angeles (USA), sugar for the brain of the brain can be not only useful, but also cause harm. The work of scientists was devoted to the effects of fructose on the cognitive abilities of animals; as a sugar they chose corn syrup. This product contains a large amount of fructose and is used as a cheap sweetener in the food industry, in the production of soft drinks, baby food. According to statistics, a typical American uses more than 18 kilograms of this syrup per year.
Before starting to feed the rats with fructose syrup, the scientists taught them to find a way out of the labyrinth. After the rats memorized the labyrinth, they were divided into 2 categories: 1 gave water with syrup, another - the same, but with the addition of Omega-3-unsaturated fatty acids. It is believed that these fatty acids protect the synapses from damage and thus have a beneficial effect on cognitive processes. After 6 weeks, scientists again planted animals in the same labyrinth.
As it was found out, water with fructose badly affected the memory of animals. The rats did not remember the labyrinth that had been walking so recently, the interneuronal connections in the brain weakened, and the transmission of signals from the cell to the cell became much more complicated. In turn, those rats who, together with fructose, received Omega-3 fatty acids, were in a beautiful "intellectual form" and found a way out of the familiar labyrinth much faster. The results of the research scientists published in the Journal of Physiology.
The authors of the work note that in rats that received one fructose, there were signs of insulin resistance: the cells ceased to feel insulin. These processes do not necessarily lead to diabetes, but still have a big impact on energy metabolism. By refusing insulin, the neurons in the brain begin to inefficiently use sugar, which in turn affects their ability to form new synapses and maintain the old ones. On the other hand, Omega-3 acids soften the effect of fructose. Taking into account the prevalence of fructose supplements in the food industry, one could recommend absolutely everyone to systematically take medications with Omega-3 acids - so as not to be stupefied with an overabundance of sugar.
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