Even a single meal high in saturated fat can impair cardiovascular function and disrupt cerebral blood flow regulation, warn British and Japanese scientists, whose study was published in The Journal of Nutritional Physiology.
The experiment involved 41 healthy people — 20 young people and 21 older people. All of them had their blood vessel and cerebral blood flow measured before and four hours after a standard high-calorie breakfast that included cream, sugar, and syrup.
After eating, all participants experienced increases in blood triglycerides, glucose, and insulin levels. These changes were accompanied by decreased vascular elasticity and a deterioration in the brain's ability to maintain stable blood flow despite fluctuations in blood pressure. This effect was seen in both age groups, but was particularly pronounced in older participants.
Scientists note that disruption of the so-called dynamic cerebral autoregulation makes the brain more vulnerable to pressure changes and reduces its protection against ischemia. This may increase the risk of stroke and contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases, especially in older people, in whom such mechanisms already work less efficiently.
The study results show that regular consumption of saturated fats in large quantities can have a cumulative harmful effect. Scientists advise to prefer foods low in saturated fats and to remember that even a single abundant intake of fatty foods can temporarily impair the functioning of blood vessels and the brain.
