Our brain is one of the most important organs in the body, if not the most important, since it makes everything else work. Just as our car needs gasoline, the brain is fueled by the food in our diet. What happens if we give our car bad gasoline? The same thing happens with the brain, there are certain foods that worsen the functioning of this organ. We observe it in the short term with worse cognitive functions such as less memory and concentration, and in the long term with the appearance of dementia, Alzheimer’s and other related diseases.
The five worst foods for your brain
Sugary drinks and added sugar in general
Sugary drinks and too much sugar have a negative effect on the brain, as well as increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The consumption of these foods produces a reduced brain function, memory, and learning.
Instead, it is recommended consume water, coffee or tea, without added sugar. In fact, staying hydrated will help our brain work better, and tea or coffee also gives us extra help when it comes to concentrating.
refined carbohydrates
The added sugar in the previous section is also a refined carbohydrate, as is white flour widely consumed in preparations such as bread and pasta. These foods spike blood sugar levels, which can affect memory in both children and adults.
Instead, it is recommended to consume vegetables and high-fiber foodssuch as brown rice, oatmeal or other whole grain flours.
Foods high in trans fats
Trans fat is the type of fat that is produced industrially, although it exists in some foods in low amounts, which is not a concern. food like Pastries and ultra-processed are the ones that contain the most trans fats and that they should be avoided to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, poorer memory and cognitive decline in general.
Instead, it is recommended to consume healthy fats such as those that come from extra virgin olive oil, nuts, seeds, oily fish or avocado.
ultra-processed foods
Ultra-processed foods are a mixture of the three previous products: sugar, refined flour and trans fats. Industrial chips, industrial pastries, and similar products are associated with brain tissue damage. Damage to this tissue correlates with lower scores in learning and memory.
Instead eat natural and unprocessed foods. to find out what they are imagine you are a hunter-gatherer from a few thousand years ago It goes through nature in search of food. If what you are going to buy could have been hunted or collected, it is natural.
Alcohol
Chronic and excessive consumption of alcohol produces a reduced brain volume and severe brain damage, which includes loss of memory and the ability to concentrate. Instead consume the three healthy drinks that we have already discussed above: water, coffee or tea.
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