The popular nutrition "knowledge" has long labeled fat as the sole bad guy in our meals and nutritional guidelines. Food companies will label items “fat-free” or “reduced fat” and market them as healthy with almost no regard for the other ingredients in the product. The reality is healthy fats are necessary for proper metabolizm and brain function in our bodies. Sugar on the other hand, can cause real problems. Not only does sugar consumption directly affect weight gain, it can seriously affect the way your brain functions.
The potential dangers of sugar have been exposed by research that has shown a link between type 2 diabetes and dementia. Consuming large amounts of sugar or processed sugars in any amount makes is incredibly difficult for your body to regulate blood sugar levels. When you eat sugar or foods that that breaks down into sugar, it enters the blood stream. Under normal circumstances, cells in the pancreas release a signal, called insulin. Insulin tells your liver, muscle and fat cells to store this sugar for later use. When your body's regulatory system is unable to control blood sugar levels, it can cause vast damage to the body, including damage to blood vessels in your brain. Dementia results from this reduced blood flow. A recent study published in Neurology has found that high blood sugar can impair memory even without diabetes being present.
Glycation is a major cause of sugar’s negative effect on brain functions. Glycation occurs when a sugar molecule bonds with a protein or amino acid molecule without the regulating effect of an enzyme. The result is a small but dangerous compound called advanced glycation endproduct. These advanced glycation endproduct molecules then attach themselves to organs, tissues and blood vessels, over time they build up and cause the tissues to stiffen and reduces their functionality. "Advanced glycation endproduct molecules can be a factor in the development or worsening of many degenerative diseases, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis and chronic renal failure.
Sadly its the the "fat" that most people go out of their way to avoid that actually has a positive effect on inflammation and the brain functions. Omega-3 fatty acids actually promote more grey matter in the brain while increasing growth of neurotransmitters as well as protecting them from damage. Omega-3's also aid in production of serotonin, a natural mood enhancer that relieves depression and other mental disorders. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in grass-fed beef, beans, wild rice, salmon and are especially bioavailable in krill oil.
According to Dr. Oz, "Krill oil has emerged as the next leader in the wonderful world of omega-3's. Just like fish oil, krill oil contains long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids of the omega-3 family, EPA and DHA. In contrast to fish oil, EPA and DHA from krill oil come attached to phospholipids, mostly phosphatidylcholine. That structural difference leads to better absorption and delivery of DHA to the brain. In addition, krill oil contains a potent carotenoid antioxidant, astaxanthin, that may prevent EPA and DHA oxidation."
A 2007 study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that 300mg daily supplementation of krill oil resulted in significant decreases in inflammation and arthritic symptoms in cardiac and arthritis patients.
The bottom line is that if something says its "fat free" or "reduced fat" on its label, it might not the best thing for you. Just keep this in mind when you are pursuing the aisle of your local market.
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