“If a citizen of Athens in the year 1000 BC could suddenly appear among us, he would be one of the brightest and most intelligent men. He would have a good look. memory, a wide range of ideas and a more lucid outlook on important issues than most of us. ”In any case, that’s what Dr. Gerald Crabtree, a geneticist at Stanford University who has recently published a study in the magazine Trends in Genetics.
Harmful genetic mutations
According to his research, about 10% of human genes are involved in intellectual function. In each generation, dozens of mutations occur in the genome and they can affect in particular intelligence. We would, therefore, according to him, inexorably become more and more idiots. Sad observation!
But our genome is not the only one involved. Our living conditions and our diet would also have a negative impact on our intellectual capacities. Fluoride for example. This mineral naturally present in drinking water allows, in small quantities, to prevent cavities. But according to Harvard researchers, the stronger its concentration, the more it has a negative effect on children’s IQs. “Our results confirm the possibility of harmful effects of fluoride exposure on the neurological development of children,” the scientists explain in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
Glucose-fructose syrup would lower IQ
And fluoride would not be the only one to harm our brain! Some pesticides including chlorpyrifos, which are found in our food chain, would interfere with the psychomotor and mental development of children according to a study by the Mailman School of Public Health at the University of Colombia.
Last product to be wary of: the famous glucose-fructose syrup present in most processed products. British researchers have found that 3-year-olds who regularly consume this type of product have seen their IQs decrease over the next 5 years. On the other hand, children who had a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables saw their IQ increase within 3 years… Finally, all hope is not lost!
