What harms the brain? Science is clear not only about which foods are involved. It can be surprising how quickly an unhealthy diet affects us.
Changes in the brain are quite rapid
We know a lot of foods that On the other hand, new research shows that some common foods actually weaken the brain. Although there are more and more of these studies, the Western way of eating continues to drag on and an ever-increasing part of the population suffers from problems associated with by normalizing ultra-processed foods in our diet.
English has a strong word for it. They call it “junk food”. Although we translate it as junk food, it is literally just garbage.
No wonder it can impair memory, attention and learning ability. And it’s not just a long-term effect. Unfortunately, it is not only those who have been following such an unhealthy diet for a long time who suffer from it. The effect is visible after only a few days of consuming unsuitable foods.
that a diet high in fat and sugar it changes the brain very quickly within the next four days. Changes occur inhippocampus, i.e. the part of the brain responsible for memory. Food inappropriately affects the processing of glucose, and this damage is then reflected in the deterioration of remembering new information and recall.
Many other studies have also taken a dig at the overworked food. Among them, for example, work can be inserted. Scientific papers agree that poorer results in cognitive tests and higher risk of stroke it is undeniable and definitely measurable.
What is good for your brain? A post from ChefChili’s YouTube channel will tell you.
Food risk groups
Fast food, sugary drinks and industrially processed meat are the most common problems. There is a lot in them saturated fat, salt and sugar, but a minimum of fiber and minerals.
After consumption, inflammation and oxidative stress occur in the brain, which accelerates cognitive aging. The most treacherous are “hyperpalatable” foods, that is, an extremely tempting mixture of sugar, fat and salt that overloads the reward centers and promotes overeating.
Can the brain be protected?
Try cutting out processed foods and putting real food back on your plate. Vegetables, whole grain breads, fish and olive oil will do more for the brain than anything off the convenience store shelf. And it leads in the long term, which helps the brain to remain flexible even in later life.
At the same time, research confirms that the key is not perfection, but balance. Occasional fast food does not harm the brain, the problem arises when it becomes a daily routine. But also remember that it’s not just about fast food. Cold meats, drinks and various packaged snacks and crisps are ultra-processed.
