Atkins and other low-carb dieters are likely to suffer decreased mental performance, according to a recent study at Tufts University in Boston. Scientists found that participants performed worse on mental tests after just a week on a low-carb diet.
One of the most popular low-carb diets is the Atkins Diet, which eliminates carbohydrates such as bread, potatoes and sugar but allows protein and fat. Some fruits and vegetables also are restricted. The Atkins Diet proposes that the body burns more calories through an elevated metabolic rate than normal diets. The recent study, however, suggests that there is a mental disadvantage to counterbalance whatever physical gains might be achieved.
Holly Taylor, lead researcher in the study, warned that such a diet can have a negative impact on memory and thinking.
“The study demonstrates that the food you eat can have an immediate impact on cognitive behavior. The popular low-carb and no-carb diets have the strongest potential for negative impact on thinking and cognition,” she said.
The study followed 19 women aged 22 to 25 who were on either a low-carb diet or a low-calorie balanced diet. After only one week the 10 women on the low-carb diet performed more poorly on mental tests than those on the conventional diet. The women were tested on their short- and long-term memory, visual attention and spatial memory, the part of the memory that stores information about a person’s environment. Those on the low-carb diet showed a gradual decrease in mental tasks compared to the low-calorie dieters. Reaction time also was slower and their visual memory was not as good.
“Although this study only tracked participants for three weeks, the data suggests that diets can affect more than just weight. The brain needs glucose for energy, and diets low in carbohydrates can be detrimental to learning, memory and thinking,” Taylor said.
The research, published in the journal Appetite, found there was no difference in the hunger levels of the women. Scientists believe that low-carb diets decrease the amount of glucose available to the brain and what is needed for nerve transmission.
Lifestyles & Community
Low-carb diet impairs mental cognition
- Lifestyles & Community
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Freedom Rally June 1 in front of the courthouse
Observance of Memorial Day began after the Civil War, but the poet Joyce Kilmer wrote these lines as he served in another great conflict, World War I. His words were more than poetic, they were just and honorable. Kilmer is best known for writing “I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree.” He was killed in the Second Battle of the Marne.
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Bookmobile coming to Union City this summer
Union City Day was Saturday. The threat of rain discouraged some yard sale participation but overall it was a good day. Fundraising activities by the club raised more than expenses, so that is good news.
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My heart is crying for Oklahoma
Hello readers, what a wonderfully blessed day we are having here in Paint Lick, Ky.
Not much is happening this Tuesday morning other than most are now aware with the storms headed our way. The weather people say it should smooth out some before it gets to our area, but it’s always smart to be prepared. -
Clothing Closet open this Saturday
Hello everyone. This weekend will be a little less busy with events at the churches and the community center, however we still have the Clothing Closet open this Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. They want to see people in need stop by. That is their goal to help others.
Susie will not be having their fish fry till May 31. This weekend is Memorial Day weekend. So mark your calendar for next Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. Enjoy your family this weekend. -
Veterans News
The Madison County Veterans invite the veterans and citizens of Madison County to join us in paying respects to our service men and women (past and present) starting at 10 a.m. Monday at the back gate of the Richmond Cemetery, followed by Madison Memorial Gardens at noon. Guest speaker at this year's memorial event will be U.S. Rep. Andy Barr.
Flags will be placed for our service men/women starting Saturday at 8 a.m. at Madison Memorial Gardens and starting at the back gate of Richmond Cemetery. All volunteers are welcome. A special thank you to Memorial Gardens for the gracious donation of flags to be placed at Richmond Cemetery. -
Gone in the blink of an eye
Hi!
One more day of school — yippee!! It sure has felt like summer the past few days, hasn't it? I hope our showers/ storms predicted for today aren’t in the severe category. The folks in Oklahoma have had a tough time of it lately (our prayers are certainly with them).
Can you believe this is Memorial Day weekend? Where did the month of May go -- it was here and gone in the blink of an eye it seems.
Representatives of the Flatwoods Cemetery Association Inc. will be set up at the entrance to the cemetery with ballots for upcoming Board of Directors. Just stop by, mark your ballot and drop same in the ballot box and we'll let you know the names of the 2013-2014 Board members. -
Try these ‘crocking good’ foods
Crock pots are amazing. A crock pot is worth purchasing if you are like myself always on the go.
You can make anything in it, from desserts to breakfast foods, not just stews and soups. The other side of using one is PATIENCE, and a time for preplanning. If you use your time wisely, your crock pot will make your meal planning easier. -
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Bluegrass hosts first-ever horse show
Many times, when people think of Big Brothers, Big Sisters, they think of the organization’s fundraiser Bowl for Kids’ Sake.
But this year, BBBS of the Bluegrass is trying something new.
“Based on the response that I’ve gotten from our community and surrounding communities, I’m expecting a big event,” said Rhonda Middleton, BBBS of the Bluegrass regional program manager. -
My! How things have changed
I was just thinking the other day about how difficult it is for those of us who are beyond middle age. Things are just not like they were when we were young.
How many of you have noticed that stairs are getting steeper, groceries are getting heavier and everything is much farther away? -
Develop your most employable skills: Integrity and respect
There are many defining moments in life. Some moments leave lingering smiles and a feeling of accomplishment, and others are among those you wish you could forget or completely erase from your life.
Each of these moments have molded and shaped who you have become today. - More Lifestyles & Community Headlines
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