Diet has become one of the factors that can affect your overall body health. There have been many studies that show that poor diet can increase the risk of various diseases such as obesity, diabetes, to heart-related diseases. Some types of foods such as junk food, processed meat, high-sugar beverage packaging, and other high-fat foods should be avoided to reduce those risks.

Not only affects health, food intake can also affect your body's cognitive function. Based on the results of a study conducted by Ohio State University, researchers found that food can affect one's concentration. Foods with high saturated fat content are known to reduce your ability to concentrate. The results of this study have been published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

In their study, the researchers analysed the relationship between the intake of foods high in saturated fat and concentration in 51 female participants. At the beginning of the study period, each participant was asked to take a test to find out their concentration ability. After that, participants were given foods with high saturated fat content such as turkey sausage, eggs, and biscuits. To observe the effect, the concentration power test was repeated 5 hours after eating. In comparison, participants were also given the same food that was processed with sunflower oil, so that it would be low in saturated fat.

The results showed that their concentration ability was worse after consuming foods high in saturated fat, 11% worse to be exact. The researchers believe that saturated fat can increase inflammation in the body, including in the brain region. In addition, the researchers also saw the effect of intestinal leakage on participants' concentration ability. Participants who are known to have intestinal disorders have a much worse concentration ability, both after consuming foods high in saturated fat or other foods.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Pixabay

Source(s):

• Kiecolt-Glaser, J.K., Bailey, M.T., Malarkey, W.B., et al (2020). Afternoon distraction: a high-saturated fat meal and endotoxemiaimpactpostmeal attention in a randomized crossover trial. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, DOI: 10.1093 / ajcn / nqaa085.
• Science Daily - Our ability to focus may falter after eating one meal high in saturated fat (2020). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/05/200512134433.htm, 9 June 2020.