Meat eaters article: vegetarian/vegan has smaller brain than meat eaters

[tobelightlight]

You have heard that plant based diets are optimal for health. A new study challenges that assumption. Vegetarians were found to have smaller brain volumes than carnivores, particularly in regions critical for memory and cognitive function. The difference was significant enough to raise concerns about long term brain health in those avoiding animal products entirely.

Here is what the research discovered. Brain scans of long term vegetarians showed reduced gray matter in the hippocampus, the brain's memory center, compared to those who ate meat regularly. The most likely culprit is vitamin B12 deficiency, a common problem in vegetarian and vegan diets. B12 is almost exclusively found in animal products. Low B12 levels are linked to brain shrinkage, cognitive decline and higher risk of dementia.

The science behind this is clear. Your brain needs B12 to maintain myelin, the protective coating around nerve fibers, and to clear homocysteine, a toxic amino acid that damages brain cells. Without enough B12, brain tissue slowly erodes over years. Vegetarians who do not supplement are at highest risk. The study did not say meat is required for a healthy brain. It said animal sourced nutrients are required. You can get them from meat or from supplements.

If you are vegetarian or vegan, get your B12 levels tested. Supplement if needed. Do not rely on fortified foods alone. B12 deficiency takes years to show symptoms, but the brain damage happens quietly along the way. Plants are powerful. But they do not provide everything.

 

[laksaboy]

To really grow your brain, you need to do prolonged fasting.

Dementia and forgetfulness will not touch you. Just do not eat processed, chemical-laden junk, or keep that to a minimum.