Scientists from the University of Otago in New Zealand found that eating grains can cause changes in the functioning of the hypothalamus and lead to excess weight. The study was: published At Wiley Online Library.
Gluten is a protein component found in grains such as wheat, rye, barley and oats. It is necessary to give the dough fluffiness and elasticity.
Researchers sought to find out whether adding gluten to the diet of mice would lead to adverse health effects. The rodents were divided into two groups; both were fed a high-fat diet. At the same time, the first group consumed large amounts of gluten.
The scientists also identified two control groups of rodents fed a gluten-free and gluten-free low-fat diet.
After 14.5 weeks, both groups of mice on the high-fat diet gained weight. Rodents without gluten in their diets gained an average of 16.5 grams. The mice in the first group became 20.4 grams heavier. Rodents fed the low-fat diet did not gain excess fat.
It turned out that a diet rich in gluten increases the number of astrocytes (these are cells of the auxiliary nervous tissue of the brain) in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. They play a role in the brain’s immune response.
If you eat too much fat, a diet high in gluten can lead to inflammation in the hypothalamus and brain damage. This has a negative impact on health and contributes to both weight gain and poor regulation of blood sugar.
Previously the doctor explainedCan a gluten-free diet harm your health?