Eating fatty foods before a stressful event can impair vascular function and oxygen supply to the brain. This has been shown by a study published in the journal. Limits in Nutrition.
21 people (healthy young men and women) participated in the experiment. They were divided into two groups: The first was given a high-fat diet (56.5 grams of fat), and the second was given a low-fat diet (11.4 grams of fat). They ate their meal 90 minutes before completing a stressful 8-minute math task that required them to speed up problem solving. If they answered incorrectly, they were informed. Additionally, participants could see themselves on the screen. The experiment was designed to simulate everyday stress at work or at home.
Both types of food contributed to the dilation of blood vessels and increased blood pressure. However, in those who ate a fatty meal, vascular function remained significantly impaired 90 minutes after the stressful event ended. They also reduced the amount of oxygen going to the prefrontal cortex. Participants reported worse moods during and after the stressful task. Participants who ate low-fat foods returned to normal faster.
Eating fatty foods overall worsened vascular function by 1.74%. Previous studies have shown that a 1 percent decrease in vascular function leads to a 13 percent increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease.
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