11 Foods that are Bad for Your Brain
Some healthy foods benefit us greatly and some foods lead to brain kill, obesity and many other issues. Discussed below are 11 foods that affect your intelligence and memory.
1. Sugary Foods
Eating too many sugary foods can lead to an array of neurological problems like weak memory and slow learning. You should avoid baked items and products that are high in fructose.
2. Alcohol
Alcohol is not only fatal for your liver; it also leads to a condition called “brain fog” which is actually mental confusion. It blurs the memory and thinking power. Luckily, these symptoms can be reversed with quitting alcohol or limiting the intake to not more than two drinks in a week.
3. Junk Food
Can junk food kill you? Yes, it can. Consumption of fat filled junk food affects the mood as it hinders the production of dopamine that boosts cognitive functions, happiness and wellbeing. Dopamine is also responsible for enhancing our learning capacity, alertness, motivation and memory.
4. Fried Foods
It is a well-known fact that fried are rich in toxic oils. These have negative effects on our behavior and the cognitive functions leading to hyperactivity, both in children and in adults. They destroy brain’s nerve cells.
5. Processed or Pre-Cooked Foods
Processed or pre-cooked meals are amongst the 5 worst foods for your brain. They are packed with harmful chemicals and preservatives. They negative effects on the central nervous system and may lead to Alzheimer’s and other degenerative diseases.
6. Very Salty Foods
Foods that are rich in salt and sodium should be avoided as they affect your blood pressure, heart, and cognitive skills. Salty foods are also bad for your brain health.
7. Grains
Grains are a rich source of carbohydrates, but most of these grains are harmful for the brain and body both. Too much consumption of regular grains lead to “brain fog” and affects the memory as well. Best substitute for these grains is the 100% whole wheat grain products and whole wheat grain.
8. Processed Proteins
Processed proteins should be avoided as they damage the brain cells instead of insulating it. Hot dogs, sausages and salami, etc. are among the top memory killing foods.
9. Avoid Trans Fats At All Costs
If you regularly consume foods rich in Trans Fats, you are putting yourself at a risk for high blood, elevated cholesterol and obesity and deterioration in heart health. Trans Fats increase the risk of stroke and cause your mind to slow down and respond slowly as well. Other effects include shrinkage of the brain similar to Alzheimer’s.
10. Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are one the foods that kill people. It is a myth that they can be good for our health. Long-term consumption of these can cause irreparable damage to the brain and are destructive for cognitive abilities.
11. Nicotine
Nicotine may not be part of the foods list, but it comes from various memory killing vegetables. It is fatal to physical and brain health as it hampers the blood flow, affects the glucose and oxygen, and constricts the capillaries which hinder the production and function of neurotransmitters. Side effects of nicotine include premature aging, bad breath and lead to lung cancer.