Study: Abdominal Fat May Boost Brain Health
Despite the negative reputation surrounding abdominal fat, a new study suggests that it may play an important role in maintaining brain health.
The study, published in the journal GeroScience and conducted by researchers at Toho University in Japan, highlights that visceral fat—fat that accumulates around internal organs—may have moderate benefits for the brain.
Visceral fat produces a protein called CX3CL1, which helps maintain healthy levels of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), a crucial protein for memory, learning, and mood regulation.
Low levels of BDNF have been linked to health conditions such as dementia, whereas higher levels support brain function. As people age, BDNF levels naturally decline, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline.
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In studying the effects of abdominal fat on mice, researchers found that younger mice exhibited high levels of BDNF, which helped maintain their brain health. Conversely, older mice showed reduced production of this protein, leading to cognitive deterioration. However, when these older mice were given an additional dose of CX3CL1, their BDNF levels improved, and their cognitive function showed signs of recovery.
Nevertheless, excessive abdominal fat remains a health risk, as it increases the likelihood of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
The study underscores that maintaining a moderate amount of abdominal fat may support brain health, while also emphasizing the importance of healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise and quality sleep for healthy aging.
