If your brain has as many curves as your body, you've got to be Einstein!

Yes, I'm opening with a very cheesy pick-up line.  Though I will admit, any guy who tried to use that on me would be pretty impressive in my mind. *awkward silence* So.... moving on!  I actually do have a new topic for you today.  I recently read an article in psychology today about the connection between a woman's curves, the intelligence of her children, and the modern obesity epidemic.  Ready?

The article starts out with a reflection on women's body-image issues and how they've changed in the last decade.  The modern fashion seems to be thin is in.  And for most of the population, that's a tall order.  Coming from someone whose curvy (And struggled with my self-image because of it), I know how hard it is to go to a clothing store but feel nothing was made to fit you.  But while more women than ever obsess about their weight and dieting, the modern fashion may not be the right answer for us.

This may be most women's ideal,
but men much prefer the curves.

Take for instance your standard fashion model.  They are so skinny as to be considered bony by some.  They are all flat planes and sharp angles.  And while something akin to this is what most women strive for, the truth is men prefer girls with some meat on them.  Studies have shown men prefer women with curves and fat deposits in places like the butt and thighs.

So what does all that have to do with neuroscience?  Well, the fat stored there is of a particular variety of omega-3 called DHA.  It's important that women store this type of fat because it is a primary component to help feed a growing baby.  DHA is a key ingredient which leads to brain growth and development in a child's life- specifically when they're in the womb or still breast feeding.  So women who store DHA on their hips and thighs have children who have better developed brains.  Evolution leads to men preferring this body shape because it means healthier, smarter off spring.  It all makes sense right?

And as an interesting side note, it is easy to deplete stores of DHA during pregnancy but hard to rebuild those levels in time for a second child.  This might partially explain why most eldest children are the brainiacs of the family.  They received a higher dosage of DHA then their siblings.

I'm probably expanding too far on this hypothesis,
but maybe Nicki Minaj's physical appeal comes
from this evolutionary back ground.

However, this wonderful evolutionary advantageous set-up becomes a problem when you lace people in a calorie rich environment that has few sources of omega-3 fats.  Due to agricultural practices and eating habit, women are getting about half the levels of omega-3 that they used to.  And now women are putting on weight in other areas that are detrimental both to themselves and their potential children.  However, a diet heavy in green vegetables and seafood can help bring up levels of the important omega-3.

I highly suggest reading the full article to get all the implications.  However, I hope I have through;y amazed you at the evolutionary history of curvy women and how our diet through out life can affect our future children.