Medical research shows that your diet has the potential to affect your mental function and overall brain health. We often focus on foods that affect our internal health but rarely give attention to the impact food has on our brains. Our brain uses 20-30% of the calories we consume.
While you may have an idea of foods that promote brain health, you may be surprised to find out that some foods you’re consuming could be affecting your focus and memory.
Read on as we discuss some common grocery store foods linked to memory loss.
Cakes, Donuts, and Pastries
High-sugary foods like cakes, donuts, cookies, and pastries are full of sugar, trans fats, and refined carbs. Research by the Texas Institute of Neurological Disorders revealed that eating too much sugar could lead to memory deficiencies. The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Diabetes Care also showed that the combination of trans fats and sugar could lead to an increased risk of cognitive decline.
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils
Hydrogenated vegetable oils are common in foods like margarine, canned frosting, baked goods, coffee creamers, and specific snacks. Due to the manufacturing process, most of these foods also contain trans fats. Research shows that hydrogenated vegetable oils can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. Trans fats have also been shown to contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline with age.
Processed Meats
The sausages, ham, and bacon are all delicious but harmful to your memory and cognitive function. A study by the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation revealed that people who consumed a lot of processed meat had an increased risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s.
Instant Noodles
Instant noodles are a convenient and quick food option, but they could increase your risk of cognitive decline. Although noodles won’t immediately affect your memory, in the long run, the lack of healthy nutrients, colorings, flavorings, and other preservatives is likely to affect your brain tissue and, as a result, your memory. Ultra-processed foods have been shown to lead to a faster decline in mental performance.
Breakfast Cereals
Breakfast cereals fall under the category of ultra-processed foods and are typically high in refined carbs, fats, sugars, synthetic colors, and preservatives. Consuming breakfast cereals regularly increases your risk of getting dementia.
Fried Foods
Fried foods like French fries, hash browns, chicken strips, cheese sticks, etc., are high in trans fats, which form when unsaturated fats undergo hydrogenation. Additionally, most fried foods are cooked in seed or vegetable oils, which also contain trans fats. The Journal of Nutritional Science discovered that a diet high in fried foods led to lower cognitive scores in learning and memory.
Microwave Popcorn
Microwave popcorn has diacetyl that has been linked to amyloid plaque development, which could lead to Alzheimer’s disease. The neurotoxic effects of diacetyl could affect your cognitive function and lead to memory loss.
Processed Cheese
Processed cheese has high sodium levels and other artificial additives that can affect your brain health. High sodium intake can increase your risk of getting high blood pressure. The Nature Reviews Neurology conducted a study that linked hypertension to cognitive decline, meaning you could suffer from memory loss over time.
Ready to Eat Meals
Ready-to-eat foods like pizza slices, burritos, and grilled sandwiches contain sodium, unhealthy fats, and other preservatives. When consumed regularly, these foods can impact cognitive function and lead to memory loss.
High Mercury Fish
Although fish are supposed to be healthy, high-mercury fish like king mackerel and swordfish can lead to cognitive decline. Research by NeuroToxicology linked continuous mercury exposure to impaired mental function.
These are some of the foods that can affect brain health and impact cognitive function and memory. Switching to a healthier and well-balanced diet rich in whole foods, proteins, nuts, and vegetables can support overall brain health and preserve memory.
6 Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Your Knee, Hip & Back Pain
Inflammation occurs when your body reacts to foreign substances. While certain anti-inflammatory drugs can help eliminate inflammation, a diet change can help reduce inflammation and swelling. Here are six anti-inflammatory foods to help reduce knee, hip, and back pain.
6 Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Your Knee, Hip & Back Pain
Experts Warn People to Never Refrigerate These 15 Food Items
Refrigeration prevents spoilage and may extend the shelf life of common foods and other perishable items. While we may innocently store some foods in the refrigerator, you may be surprised that you shouldn’t store all of them, as this may affect their nutritional value, taste, and texture.
Although refrigeration can help preserve certain foods, some items shouldn’t be refrigerated to maintain flavor and freshness. Avoiding these foods can ensure your food stays nutritious, fresh, and flavorful.
Here are 15 food items experts warn people never to refrigerate for optimal flavor and freshness.
Experts Warn People to Never Refrigerate These 15 Food Items
Leave a Reply