Recently there have been medical research reports indicating
that all the warnings about consuming too much salt were exaggerated. Perhaps
you remember when we were told that consuming eggs would clog our arteries with
cholesterol, and anyone eating butter had a death wish. Now, eggs are an ideal
source of lean protein and butter not only isn’t bad, it is superior to
margarine.
In that vein, having seen the newer reports, I was largely
ignoring salt warnings (particularly since I can eat my weight in restaurant
chips and salsa). Then this report popped-up.
Quoting from the study: “…excess dietary salt suppresses
resting cerebral blood flow and endothelial function, leading to cognitive
decline.” Cognitive decline, of course,
isn’t good. It causes little brains.
Research Details
Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical College fed mice a
high salt diet. Admittedly, it was a very high salt diet. The result was
reduced blood flow to the hippocampus and cortex. Our old friend the hippocampus,
which we seem to mention in every newsletter, is critical to memory. Now, usually when salt is involved, a
negative impact on blood pressure is the first suspect. However, the
researchers determined that wasn’t the cause of the mice losing their memories
about basic stuff such as how to make a nest. But rather it was caused by cells
in the intestine signaling the brain to make adjustments. A new discovery in
the “gut-brain” axis. I won’t attempt to
go through the science but think twice before reaching for the salt shaker. Research
linked here .
And feed those little microbiome critters living in your intestinal tract some
of their favorites such as yogurt and root vegetables to keep them happy.
But There Still Are Some Pleasures
If you missed it, last week we noted that you probably
aren’t eating enough chocolate
, and, unless you are drinking a whole pot per day, you aren’t drinking enough coffee
either.
Further, just for your benefit, we noted that we offer our
own gourmet, freshly roasted, small batch, whole bean coffee. And it is so much
better than those K-cups full of stale instant coffee that you’ll notice the
difference immediately.
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www.BigBrain.Place offers fun stuff that is good for your brain.
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