Saturated Fat and Your Brain

A recent study found that, at least in older women, a diet high in saturated fats is associated with poorer cognitive function. Saturated fats are found primarily in animal products, such as meat and dairy products. It is not clear whether plant-based saturated fats, such as from coconut and palm oil were looked at. Diet diaries were filled out and analyzed for a subset of 6,000 women over 65 from the 40,000 women in the Women's Health Study. The women were also given three cognitive function tests that were spaced out every two years for an average of four years. Total fat intake was not correlated with a decline in cognitive scoring, only saturated fat. Women who ate higher amounts of monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil, had better scores over time.