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For anyone in need of a memory boost,
breakfast is indeed the most important meal of the day.
A study of healthy elderly men and women
showed that taking in calories after an overnight fast --
be they from carbohydrates, protein or fat -- boosted
the participants' performance
on memory tests.
The researchers had 22 elderly men and
women perform memory tests after ingesting one of four "meals,"
given on separate mornings. Each morning, participants had
a drink containing either pure carbohydrate, protein, fat
or a non-calorie "placebo."
The investigators found that, compared
with the placebo drink, carbs, protein and fat all boosted
memory performance 15 minutes after ingestion. On tests taken
later, the three nutrients had differing effects, with carbohydrates
tending to have greater benefits one hour after ingestion
-- although fat still tended to improve attention one hour
out.
Previous studies have shown the importance
breakfast can have in children's school performance.
American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition November 2001;74:567-568, 687-693
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