We all know the painful effects of the 'brain freeze' that comes from ingesting too much of something cold too fast, but a new study found that consuming a high amount of fat, such as in a huge milkshake with whipped cream alongside a fast food cheeseburger with fries, has an immediate -- and potentially dangerous -- impact on blood vessels.
A study published in The Journal of Nutritional Physiology involved giving two groups of men a high-fat milkshake and testing blood flow before and after consumption. Results showed impaired blood vessel function in both young and old participants, which means not as much blood was flowing to their brains as normal.
The milkshake used in the study contained 1,362 calories, 48 grams of carbohydrates, and 9.5 grams of protein, earning the nickname "brain bomb" from the researchers. It was made with heavy whipping cream.
The harmful impact of a high-fat meal on blood vessels was 10 percent more pronounced in the older group of men, increasing the risk of conditions like stroke and dementia. "When this process is impaired (of blood reaching the brain), those swings in blood pressure become harder to manage," per an author of the study in The Conversation. "That can mean brief episodes of too little or too much blood reaching the brain. Over time, this increases the risk of developing conditions like stroke and dementia."
The researchers emphasized that diet has immediate effects on the body and brain, with every meal potentially impacting long-term brain health.
"While an occasional takeaway is unlikely to cause harm on its own, our results suggest that even one fatty meal has an immediate effect on the body," one of the scientists wrote.
"Our study highlights the importance of consuming a diet that is low in saturated fat to protect not only our heart health, but also our brain health. This is particularly important for older adults whose brains appear to be more vulnerable to the effects of such a meal and are already at increased risk of stroke and neurodegenerative diseases."