Our brain is the most important organ in our body. It keeps our lungs breathing, heart beating and all systems functioning. Did you know that certain foods can have a negative effect on our brain? Some foods can even increase the risk of dementia. You need to pay more attention to what you eat to reduce the risk of suffering brain diseases and more importantly, keep your brain safe and running properly.
Here are the 5 worst foods for your brain:
1. Sugary drinks
Stop consuming sugary drinks such as sport drinks, soda, energy drinks and fruit juice. Sugary drinks not only make you gain weight and increase the risk of getting a heart attack and type 2 diabetes, they also have a really negative effect on your brain. Sugary drinks are packed with sugar that increase the blood sugar levels, which can eventually cause dementia.
Sugary drinks are made from HFCS- high-fructose corn syrup, which consist of 45% glucose and 55% fructose. Consuming a lot of fructose can cause high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and arterial dysfunction. It can also cause a reduction in brain function, bad memory and formation of brain neurons.
2. Highly processed foods
Highly processed foods such as chips, sweets, store-bought sauces, ready-made meals and instant noodles, contain a lot of sugar, salt and added fats. These foods don’t contain any nutrients and are really high in calories. They might taste great but these foods are making you gain weight and have a negative effect on the brain. One study found that people who consume a lot of highly processed foods has a decreased brain tissue which eventually leads to Alzheimer’s.
Another study shows that a diet that contains a lot of fried food and processed meat causes lower scores in memory and learning. Highly processed food reduce the production of BDNF- brain-derived neurotrophic molecule factor. This molecule is found in many parts of the brain and plays an important role in learning, long-term memory and the growth of new neurons. The reduction of this molecule has a negative effect on these functions.
3. Refined carbs
Refined carbs such as white flour, are packed with sugars and have a high glycemic index. Your body digests them quickly and causes high blood sugar and insulin levels. When these foods are eaten in larger quantities, they have a high glycemic load. Foods that have a high glycemic index and high glycemic load may impair brain function. Researchers show that consuming even one meal with a high glycemic load can cause memory impairment. Another study shows that people who consume fat and refined sugar have poorer memory and suffer from brain inflammation. Brain inflammation is no joke ad it can eventually lead to dementia and Alzheimer’s.
4. Alcohol
If it’s consumed in moderation, it can be an enjoyable addition to a nice dinner. On the other hand, constantly consuming alcohol can cause serious effects on the brain. Excessive alcohol use can cause metabolic changes, reduction in brain volume and disruption of neurotransmitters. People with alcoholism have a deficiency in vitamin B1, which can cause a brain disorder called Wernicke’s encephalophaty. This condition is accompanied by memory loss, confusion, disturbance in eyesight and severe brain damage.
The biggest concern is when people mix alcohol with energy drinks. You should excessive alcohol consumption, but you can enjoy one glass per day if you want it. Drinking one glass of wine per day, for example, can improve your heart’s health and reduce the risk of diabetes.
5. Aspartame
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is found in most sugar-free products. People often use these products when trying to lose weight, because they really believe they’re sugar-free. Aspartame is made from methanol, aspartic acid and phenylalanine and can cause cognitive and behavioral problems. Phenylalanine can disrupt the production of neurotransmitters and increase the brain’s vulnerability to oxidative stress. One study shows that people who consume artificial sweeteners had an increased risk of dementia and stroke.