Low-Carb Diets Make You Dumb

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If you’ve tried to lose weight by cutting carbs, you know how rewarding it can be to drop pounds quickly in the first couple of weeks. But did you also notice a certain brain drain going on?

Your brain relies on a steady supply of glucose for fuel and has no ability to store it. That’s why researchers at Tufts University decided to compare the mental performance of women on two different diets: first, a low-carb diet and then a low-calorie diet with a balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates, as recommended by the American Dietetics Association.

The women, ages 19 to 55, were tested before, during and after the reintroduction of carbs back into their diet. On the low-carb diet, the women had impaired memory performance and slower reaction time. Interestingly, they did have enhanced attention for the first week or so of starting the low-carb diet, but that didn’t last. Apparently fat and protein have the ability to boost attention in the short-term, but for long-term dieting, your brain wants carbs. Maybe that’s why most women I know can’t stay on a low-carb diet for long.

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Cutting carbs out of your diet completely may seriously compromise your brain function! A varied diet that contains all the macronutrients (protein, fat and carbohydrates) is your best bet for optimum overall health and cognitive function. Avoiding refined carbs is a great idea, but be sure to include whole grains, fruits and starchy vegetables, like sweet potatoes and corn, in your diet to provide your body with enough carbohydrates to keep your brain happy.

Tags: 100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's and Age-Related Memory Loss, alternative healing, alternative health, brain health, cognitive health, low-carb diet, natural healing, natural health