Nitrate Debate, Blink Rates, Refined Carbs And Cognitive Performance, Ozempic Is Not a Cure-All, Brain Cells And Their Immune Function.
The on-going debate about nitrates 🥦
Gist: Nitrate's role in human health is complex and still under investigation. Previously thought to be potentially cancer-causing, recent studies have highlighted its cardiovascular health benefits as well.
Nitty-Gritty: Edith Cowan University's Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute, led by Dr. Catherine Bondonno, reviewed nitrate research, suggesting the key may lie in the source of nitrate intake. Dietary nitrates come primarily from meat, water, and vegetables. While past animal studies linked nitrate to carcinogens, current research shows that nitrate from vegetables may help prevent cardiovascular disease. This is possibly due to vegetables' high levels of vitamin C and polyphenols, which may inhibit harmful carcinogen formation.
Big Picture: Bondonno emphasized the need for updated dietary guidelines that differentiate between nitrate sources, as current guidelines do not. Meanwhile, she suggests a moderate intake of nitrate-rich vegetables, such as dark green leafy vegetables (like broccoli) and beetroot, for their potential cardiovascular benefits.
Original source: here.
In the blink of an eye 👀
Gist: A study conducted by Ryota Nishizono at NTT Communication Science Laboratories in Japan found that racing drivers blink at similar points on a circuit, which may reflect synchronized mental states as they focus on controlling their cars.
Nitty-Gritty: Interestingly, this finding could further our understanding of conditions like Parkinson's disease, which is associated with a reduced blinking rate. Despite varying blinking frequencies, the three professional male drivers studied showed consistent blinking patterns during their practice laps on three circuits. They blinked less as their speed increased.
Big Picture: This research could indicate that blinking isn't just about eye lubrication, but is also linked to cognitive states and attention given to a task. Understanding blinking could contribute to the knowledge about conditions like Parkinson's disease and blepharospasm, an uncontrolled eyelid twitching or blinking.
Original source: here.
Refined carbs linked to poorer cognitive performance? 🏋🏼♀️
Gist: A French study has revealed that frequent consumption of refined carbohydrates between meals could lead to poorer cognitive performance in young adults.
Nitty-Gritty: The research, conducted on 95 healthy individuals aged 20 to 30, found this correlation even after adjusting for energy intake and other factors. The modern Western diet, characterized by high intake of processed foods rich in refined carbohydrates, has been linked to health problems like obesity, type II diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. These issues are typically associated with high glucose and insulin levels in the blood, and decreased insulin sensitivity (which can eventually lead to a diabetes). This study adds to growing concerns about the impacts of such diets, suggesting potential cognitive effects as well.
Big Picture: The study design does not establish causality, only correlation, leaving open the question of whether poor cognitive performance leads to higher refined carbohydrate consumption or vice versa. Either way, consuming less refined carbohydrates is never bad.
Original source: here.
Food for thought 🍽️
Gist: The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that weight loss drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic are not a standalone solution to the global obesity crisis.
Nitty-Gritty: Francesco Branca, WHO director of nutrition and food safety, emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive, holistic approach to weight loss, including diet and exercise. Concerns have been raised about the side effects of such drugs, even as their popularity has surged. WHO is presently reviewing obesity management guidelines for the first time in two decades, with focus on children and adolescents followed by adults.
Big Picture: Drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro were initially developed for type 2 diabetes, but have been found to aid in weight loss. However, studies indicate that most patients regain two-thirds of the weight lost on these drugs shortly after discontinuing them, suggesting a need for long-term use. It also shines a light on that fact that weight loss management and maintenance requires a multifactorial approach and there is no cure-all.
New guidelines are expected by the end of the year. You can review Canada's Obesity Guidelines here.
Original source: here.
Brain development may continue into adulthood 🧠
Gist: Contrary to popular belief, not all brain immune cells, a.k.a. microglia, are identical, according to a study published in Nature Neuroscience. The research identified a subset of microglia, called ARG1+microglia, that produces an enzyme named arginase-1 (ARG1) and is essential for establishing proper cognitive functions in mice.
Nitty-Gritty: These cells are plentiful during development, but less prevalent in adults and are found in brain regions crucial for cognitive functions such as learning and memory. The absence of the ARG1 protein in mice led to cognitive deficits, including reduced willingness to explore new environments. Interestingly, female mice showed more pronounced impairments due to ARG1 microglial deficiency, aligning with the sex bias observed in Alzheimer’s disease (more than half of those diagnosed with Alzheimer's are women).
Big Picture: While the link between Alzheimer’s and a specific microglial subset requires further research, this study could open up new therapeutic avenues for neurodegenerative disorders.
Original source: here.
Looking for some quick breakfast or snack ideas? You may want to check out these dessert-inspired overnight oats! The recipes are vegan, however, you can easily substitute ingredients based on your preference. The author of these videos is a registered dietician.
Interested in previous newsletters or other articles we’ve published? Check them out here at: thefullpanel.com
Got a question for us? Suggestions for content you’d like to see? Feedback? E-mail us at: hello@mail.thefullpanel.com