With changing and fast-paced life and the introduction of instant and synthetic food ingredients, our brain has been prone to various diseases that can cause considerable damage. Some foods and ingredients have an adverse effect on the brain and cause diseases like dementia, memory loss, Alzheimer’s and so on.
The brain is the most vital organ of the human body, which controls functions like breathing, the beating of the heart, and other voluntary and involuntary movements. Therefore, taking care of the brain with a healthy diet and lifestyle is essential for the proper functioning of the body.
Here are 7 such brain damaging foods that you should avoid for a healthy and enriching life.
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Sugary Drinks
Sugary drinks like energy drinks, fruit juice, soda, sports drink contain high levels of sugar. A primary constituent of such beverages is high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) that can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes with increased risk of acquiring Alzheimer or dementia later in life.
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Refined Carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates consist of highly processed grains and sugars like white flour. These type of carbohydrates have a higher glycemic index (GI) that facilitates rapid digestion of food and boosts insulin and blood sugar levels. Meals with a high quantity of refined carbs can result in impaired memory in adults as well as children. It causes inflammation of certain brain organs, which affects responsiveness to hunger cues and increases the chances of Alzheimer and dementia. Brain damaging foods that contain refined carbs are pasta, sodas, sweeteners, white bread, pastries, white rice, white flour, etc.
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Trans Fats
Trans fats refer to unsaturated fat present in industrially processed products such as hydrogenated vegetable oil. High consumption of trans fats can result in weak memory, cognitive inabilities, low brain volume, and increased chances of Alzheimer’s. Food made from margarine, frosting, shortening, and pre-packaged cakes and cookies contain high traces of trans fat. It is always better to avoid them.
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Aspartame
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is a primary constituent in sugar-free items. It can make the brain vulnerable to oxidative stress and cause adverse effects on emotional and learning abilities. It can also lead to irritability, depression, lower mental performance. In spite of these findings, aspartame is regarded as safe sweeteners when consumed in limited quantities, that is, 40 to 50 mg per kg weight.
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Highly Processed Foods
Highly processed food products contain high sugar levels, salt, and fats. Items such as instant meals, noodles, chips, sauces, etc. fall under this category. They lead to obesity and can damage brain tissue. Processed foods are also associated with inflammation and impaired reasoning and learning abilities, along with adverse changes to brain plasticity.
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Alcohol
Excessive alcohol intake can cause the interrupt function of neurotransmitters that the brain utilizes to receive and send messages. People who are addicted to alcohol have a vitamin B1 deficiency. This can cause disorders like Wernicke’s encephalopathy, which in turn can transit into Korsakoff’s Syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by improper eyesight, memory loss, confusion, and unsteadiness.
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Fish High in Mercury
Mercury is a neurological poison that can stay in animal tissues for a considerable time. Predatory fish are prone to mercury and can carry concentrated quantities over 1 million times than that of their surrounding. Intake of fish containing high mercury levels can result in stimulation of neurotoxins. This also causes the disruption of neurotransmitters and nervous system, causing brain damage.
Now that you know, it’s good to avoid these brain damaging foods and keep your brain healhty.
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