Saturated fat is a fundamental building block for brain cells. It’s certainly interesting to consider that one of the richest sources of saturated fat in nature is human breast milk. David Perlmutter, MD.
Similarly, cholesterol is vital for a well-functioning brain. Cholesterol functions as a brain protective antioxidant. It is the raw material from which our bodies make vitamin D, a fundamental player in preserving brain function. In addition, cholesterol is the precursor for the sex hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone – all of which contribute to healthy brain function. While the brain constitutes about 2-3% of our total body weight, an impressive 25% of the body’s cholesterol is found in the brain.
So when the FDA last year began requiring consumer warnings on certain cholesterol lowering medications related to memory decline and other cognitive issues, it wasn’t surprising. Indeed, it has now been shown that in the elderly, those folks whose cholesterol levels are the highest may have as much as a 70% risk reduction for dementia.
Dr. Perlmutter is the only doctor in the country who is both a board-certified neurologist and Fellow of The American Board of Nutrition, he deftly covers a topic rarely discussed: How what we eat affects the health of our brain.
One of the most dangerous situations that we have put ourselves in when it comes to our health is taking for granted all the hype on nutrition, the hype on fad diets, the hype on workouts that promote “No pain no gain” and the hype on the “one pill, one drink that cures all” in the media.
It is our responsibility to actually research and get a complete picture of how foods and physical activity affects us, after all each and every one of us is not created equal and is being that special that requires different nutrition and fitness to safely satisfy the unique requirements of our bodies and mind.
© Copyright – Hector Sectzer
