Eating less keeps the brain young

Overeating can age your brain while eating less activates a molecule that keeps it young, reveals a study.A team of researchers from Catholic University of Sacred Heart (Rome) has discovered that the molecule called CREB1 triggers caloric restriction (low caloric diet) in the brain of mice. The research led by pathologist Giovambattista Pani found that CREB1 activates many genes linked to longevity and to the proper functioning of the brain, the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reported.“Our hope is to find a way to activate CREB1 through new drugs, so to keep the brain young without the need of a strict diet,” said Pani, according to a university statement.Caloric restriction means the animals can only eat up to 70 percent of the food they consume normally.Typically, caloric-restricted mice do not become obese or develop diabetes, they show greater cognitive performance and are less aggressive.Many studies suggest that obesity is bad for our brains, as it slows it down, causes early brain aging, and susceptible to diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.