2023-08-04 13:41:31
Mothers who consume apples and herbs during early pregnancy may be benefiting the brain health of their children and even their grandchildren, according to a study conducted by Monash University in Australia. Published in the renowned trade journal Nature Cell Biology, the study reveals that specific foods eaten during pregnancy can have a protective effect on maintaining brain function in future generations.
Researchers led by brain scientist Roger Pocock conducted tests on roundworms to investigate this phenomenon. Roundworms were chosen as a genetic model due to the presence of genes similar to those found in humans, allowing insights into human cells.
The study found that a molecule present in apples and herbs such as basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage can help stabilize communication pathways necessary for proper brain function. The team examined neurons in the brain that communicate with each other through approximately 850,000 kilometers of cables known as axons. The shape and stability of these axons are maintained by a system of hollow tubes called microtubules. Any malfunction in this system can lead to brain disorders or deterioration.
Pocock discovered that a molecule called ursolic acid, found in apples and herbs, can reduce axon fragility. “We found that ursolic acid activates a gene that produces a specific type of fat, and this fat inhibits axon fragility,” Pocock stated. Significantly, the researchers also demonstrated that this fat is hereditary – it can be passed down to future generations.
These fats migrate from the mother’s intestines to the uterus, where they protect the axons in the organism for the next two generations. This implies that a mother’s diet can potentially impact not only her offspring’s brains but also future generations. The study highlights the importance of a healthy diet during pregnancy and how it can potentially benefit brain health in the long run.
Further research is needed to explore similar processes in humans, but the study sets a foundation for understanding the advantages of maintaining a nutritious diet during pregnancy.]
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