A new study has revealed that diets high in refined sugar and saturated fat may impair brain function.
The team found that high-fat, high-sugar (HFHS) diets particularly impacts the hippocampus, the brain structure important for spatial navigation and memory formation.
The team from University of Sydney investigated the effects of HFHS diets, particularly those abundant in refined sugar and saturated fat, on first-person spatial navigation—an ability essential for learning and remembering pathways. This process is considered indicative of the health of the brain’s hippocampus, as detailed in their study published in the International Journal of Obesity.
Also Read | Popular weight loss drugs may be linked to depression, says study
Dr Dominic Tran who led the research said that is an easily reversible situation. “Dietary changes can improve the health of the hippocampus, and therefore our ability to navigate our environment, such as when we’re exploring a new city or learning a new route home,” he said.
Dr Tran said the results highlight the importance of making good dietary choices to maintain healthy brain function. He emphasised that while previous studies have established the long-term risks of poor diet—including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline—this research shows that even young adults with typically healthy brain function can be negatively impacted by frequent consumption of HFHS foods.
The research was conducted on 55 university students aged between 18 and 38. The responses were recorded using a questionnaire and a virtual reality maze.
