USP research highlights the relationship between microwave popcorn and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s
Watching a movie or series at home with popcorn is something that a lot of people like, where most of the options are microwave popcorn. But a study by the São Carlos Institute of Chemistry (IQSC) at the University of São Paulo showed an association of food with the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
HOW IS MICROWAVE POPCORN RELATED TO ALZHEIMER’S?
The taste and aroma of microwave popcorn is unnatural. Its flavor is the result of a substance called diacetyl, used in several industrialized products. AND it is precisely this compound that is related to brain damage that can lead to Alzheimer’s, according to researchers.
In the laboratory experiment with 12 mice, in which half consumed the substance for 90 consecutive days, the scientists observed changes. “Of 48 brain proteins that we evaluated after the animals were exposed to the product, 46 suffered some type of deregulation or modification in their structure due to prolonged consumption of the compound”said research author Lucas Ximenes to Portal USP Sao Carlos.
According to the scientist, an increase in the contraction of proteins found in people with Alzheimer’s has been identified: beta-amyloid. “Other protein alterations observed in the rat brain may also be related to the onset of dementia and cancer”highlighted Ximenes.
“Microwave Popcorn Disease” is the term given to bronchitis obliterans, a lung disease that can even lead to death., as Ximenes recalls. The substance diacetyl is already linked to diseases, and the new study points to yet another reason to be cautious with eating habits. “The main message that our work leaves is that we need to be careful and worry more and more about the quality of our food. Of course, eating certain foods sporadically is okay, but some pleasures in excess can be harmful”warned the scientist.
Source: Recreio
