2023-08-04 11:41:31
Mothers who eat apples and herbs early in their pregnancy might have a beneficial effect on the brain health of their children and grandchildren, a study by Australia’s Monash University has now found.
The in the renowned trade journal Nature Cell Biology A published study specifically proves that certain foods consumed during pregnancy might have a protective effect on maintaining brain function in subsequent generations.
Tests on genetic models
To find out, the team led by brain researcher Roger Pocock carried out tests with roundworms. The worms were used as a genetic model because many of their genes are also found in humans and allow insights into human cells.
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A molecule found in apples and herbs (basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage) has been found to help stabilize communication pathways needed for proper brain function.
To do this, neurons in the brain were examined, which communicate with each other via around 850,000 kilometers of cables, so-called axons. The shape of the axon is stabilized by an internal system of hollow tubes called microtubules. This guarantees their long-term functioning. Malfunctions can cause the axons to become brittle, leading to brain disorders or brain deterioration.
Fats prevent functional loss
Pocock was able to show that a molecule found in apples and herbs (ursolic acid) reduces axon fragility. “We found that ursolic acid activates a gene that produces a specific type of fat. This particular fat also inhibits axon fragility,” he said in a statement. And – this is where the children and grandchildren come into play: “We were also able to prove for the first time that fat is inherited.”
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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 means that a mother’s diet can affect not only her offspring’s brains, but potentially future generations as well.”
Further research is necessary in order to be able to depict similar processes in humans. However, the authors are convinced that they are already underpinning the advantages of a healthy diet during pregnancy.
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