Brain scientists in recent years have discovered number of foods that negatively influence the health of our brain. Several research have shown that brain damage can also be linked to some foods we often considered to be okay in getting us into good mental health.
Beside illness or injuries resulting from accident; Brain damage which is the destruction or degeneration of brain cells can also be caused by the intake of some junk foods. According to researchers, some foods contain chemicals that send mixed and damaging signals to the brain.
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The following foods are harmful to the brain and have no place in a brain-healthy diet:
Tofu
Though regarded as “healthy food,” it can be harmful if consumed in large quantities.
According to a 2008 study published in Dementias and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders; evidence shows that a high consumption of tofu is associated with worse memory, especially for those over 68.
Trans Fat
In a chat with Huffington Post, Dr Gene Bowman of Oregon Health & Science University said, ‘It’s clear that trans fats are bad — both for your heart and now, we see, for your brain,’
Trans fat is known to raise our “bad” (LDL) cholesterol levels and lower our “good” (HDL) cholesterol levels. A high consumption of trans fat can even lead to brain shrinkage. The synthetic trans fats increase the amount of oxidation in our body and create an arterial stiffness, Brandon Mentore, sports nutritionist, and functional medicine practitioner explained to Medical Daily. “All of this plays into the vascularity and the plasticity of your brain and nerve transmission. This can increase inflammation and plaguing in the brain.”
Salt
High intake of salt pose negative impact on your brain health.
A study published in Neurobiology of Aging found poor vascular health — associated with high-sodium diets, and a lack of exercise — may be related to a faster cognitive decline in old age.
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Precooked and Processed Foods
Precooked and Processed foods overstimulate the production of dopamine, also known as the “pleasure” neurotransmitter that leads to excessive cravings. Precooked and processed foods contain preservatives, additives, dyes, and artificial flavors that have the ability to affect our behavior and our cognitive functioning – MedicalDaily
Photo Source: bebrainfit and bbcgoodfood
References:
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Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders – Vol. 26, No. 1, Year 2008 (Cover Date: July 2008). Journal Editor: Chan-Palay V. (New York, N.Y.) ISSN: 1420–8008 (Print), eISSN: 1421–9824 (Online)
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Nutrient biomarker patterns, cognitive function… – Published online before print December 28, 2011.
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Journal of Clinical Investigation – Volume 122, Issue 1 (January 3, 2012). J Clin Invest. 2012;122(1):153–162. doi:10.1172/JCI59660.
Copyright © 2012, American Society for Clinical Investigation
