Saturated fatty acids consumed in excess could have an impact on the functioning of certain neurons and modify certain aspects of our behavior.
We already knew the ravages of a diet too rich in fat on the metabolism and the cardiovascular system. A Canadian study, published on July 14 in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, shows that saturated fatty acids can also disrupt brain function, and alter behavior.
Consequences from 2 months
Stéphanie Fulton’s team, from the University of Montreal, compared the behavior of three groups of rats, fed on different diets: low in fat, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (olive oil) or rich in saturated fatty acids. (Palm oil).
After eight weeks, the rats were nearly equal in weight regardless of their diet, but behavioral tests revealed differences between the groups. “We established that the rats that had the palm oil-based diet had less effective dopaminergic function,” said Cécile Hryhorczuk, co-author of the study, in a statement.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which plays an important role in the communication between certain neurons, called dopaminergic, involved in vigilance and the search for pleasure in particular.
Eat more, and more fat
The researchers hypothesize that the excess of saturated fatty acids would trigger a kind of vicious circle. Saturated fat would reduce the pleasure felt during meals, and encourage eating more, and more fat.
“The effects of a diet high in fat on reducing the sensitivity of the brain’s reward system are specific to saturated fats such as palm oil,” explains Stéphanie Fulton. Indeed, the tests did not show a decrease in dopaminergic function in the rats which had consumed olive oil.
Saturated fatty acids, not to be confused with trans fatty acids, are present mainly in animal fats (cream, butter, cheese, etc.), as well as in certain vegetable oils, mainly palm oil. Industrial food often contains a lot of it. Consumed in reasonable quantities and as part of a balanced diet, these fatty acids do not present any danger. Their excess is on the other hand known to promote cholesterol deposits and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
.
