The Heaviest Foods And Drinks For The Brain

Brain maintenance is essential for our health. The food we eat is one of the things that affects the brain. It affects our memory and mood, increases the risk of dementia. Recent estimates suggest that by 2030, the disease will affect more than 65 million people worldwide. 

Here are some foods and drinks from our daily lives that have the most severe effect on the brain:

Sweetened drinks

Fruit juice, soda, cola, energy drinks, steppes ... All of them are high in added sugars and colors, which lead to weight gain and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and brain problems. . In turn, diabetes increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's. 

The main component of many sugar drinks is high-fructose corn syrup, which consists of 55% fructose and 45% glucose. High fructose intake can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, high blood fats, diabetes and arterial dysfunction. These aspects of the metabolic syndrome may increase the long-term risk of developing dementia. 

Foods with refined carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates include sugars and highly processed grains. They usually have a high glycemic index - our body absorbs them quickly and leads to a rise in blood sugar and insulin. Such foods have been shown to disrupt normal brain function. 

Studies show that just one meal with a high glycemic index can damage the memory of both children and adults. The results show that people who have a higher intake of fat and unrefined sugar have a weaker memory. This effect may be due to inflammation of the hippocampus, the part of the brain that affects certain aspects of memory. 

It is advisable to avoid pasta snacks and other processed foods for fast consumption or replace them with vegetables , fruits, legumes and whole grains.

Foods high in trans fat

Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat that has a detrimental effect on brain health. They are found in meat and dairy products. Some of them are high in sugar, added fat and salt, such as chips, pastries, pasta, microwave popcorn, sauces and more. They are  also high in calories and low in other nutrients that are good for our health. They gradually slow down the functions of the brain. According to a recent study conducted in the United States, eating fast food can lead to degenerative diseases. Another proves that more than 5,000 people who eat processed meat and fried foods have brain problems. 

One of the ways in which trans-fat foods can have a negative effect on the brain is by reducing the production of brain neurotrophic factor. It is located in various parts of the brain, including the hippocampus, and is important for long-term memory.  

It is preferable to avoid this type of food, to eat more vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, meat and fish.

Fish high in mercury

Mercury is highly toxic. Some larger predatory fish may contain mercury due to environmental pollution. They can carry more than 1 million times more than what is in the surrounding water. Seafood, especially wild varieties, are the largest carriers of mercury, according to medical site NDTV Doctor. 

Once a person swallows mercury, it is concentrated in the brain, liver and kidneys. In pregnant women, it can affect the placenta. Mercury disrupts the central nervous system and neurotransmitters, leading to brain damage. 

Most fish contain high-quality protein and very important nutrients such as omega-3, vitamin B12, zinc, iron and magnesium. That is why it is important to include them at least 2 times a week in our menu, but be careful about the origin of the fish we buy. It is recommended that adults eat two to three servings of fish a week. Pregnant women should avoid eating tuna, mackerel, swordfish and shark meat.