Your brain is the most important organ in your body. It keeps your heart beating, lungs breathing and all the systems in your body functioning.
That’s why it’s essential to keep your brain working in optimum condition with a healthy diet.
Some foods have negative effects on the brain, impacting your memory and mood and increasing your risk of dementia.
Estimates predict that dementia will affect more than 65 million people worldwide by 2030.
Luckily, you can help reduce your risk of the disease by cutting certain foods out of your diet. This article reveals the 7 worst foods for your brain.
1. Sugary drinks
Sugary drinks include beverages like soda, sports drinks, energy drinks and fruit juice. A high intake of sugary drinks may increase the risk of dementia. High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) may be especially harmful, causing brain inflammation and impairing memory and learning. Further studies in humans are needed.
2. Refined carbs
Refined carbohydrates include sugars and highly processed grains, such as white flour. A high intake of refined carbs with a high glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) may impair memory and intelligence, as well as increase the risk of dementia. These include sugars and highly processed grains like white flour.
3. Foods high in trans fats
Trans fat are a type of unsaturated fat that can have a detrimental effect on brain health. It is associated with impaired memory and the risk of Alzheimer’s, but the evidence is mixed. Cutting out trans fats completely and increasing the unsaturated fats in your diet may be a good strategy.
4. Highly processed foods
Highly processed foods tend to be high in sugar, added fats and salt. Processed foods contribute to excess fat around the organs, which is associated with a decline in brain tissue. Additionally, Western style diets may increase brain inflammation and impair memory, learning, brain plasticity and the blood-brain barrier.
5. Aspartame
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener found in many soft drinks and sugar-free products. It has been linked to behavioral and cognitive problems, though overall it is considered a safe product.
6. Alcohol
While moderate alcohol intake can have some positive health effects, excessive consumption can lead to memory loss, behavioral changes and sleep disruption. Particularly high-risk groups include teenagers, young adults and pregnant women.
