When compared with rats on standard diets, their learning and memory function is reduced. The high fat diet may cause insulin resistance and hence interfere with blood glucose regulation. The brain's dominant energy source is glucose and injecting glucose into these rats restored brain function to normal. Previous studies have suggested the elderly may have better memory function after a carbohydrate meal of mashed potatoes or barley. Thus a diet richer in carbohydrate and lower in fat might be highly beneficial in the elderly with declining memory function.
Some reports suggest high iron levels can lead to a greater risk of heart disease.
This age group, which has little risk of iron losses, should perhaps be advised not to consume supplemental iron without evidence of iron deficiency, and to moderate consumption of red meat and other iron-rich foods. Am J Clin Nutr back to top Call to AfroAmericans to heed diet and exercise Americans of African descent have a particularly serious problem with diet-related diseases including obesity, hypertension, diabetes, heart diseases and some cancers. Studies by the Public Health Institute and the California Department of Health Services have revealed poor dietary habits and low physical activity among both teens and adults in this group. An initiative from their own group, led by the Charles Drew University has established a taskforce to increase daily physical activity to at least 30 minutes or more for adults and 60 minutes for children and teenagers, and to improve diet by having at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Only 20 per cent of AfroAmericans ate five servings of fruits and vegetables and high fat foods were prominent in their diets.