The brain is one of the most important organs in the body and as such should be a priority when it comes to health care. Care of the brain starts with what we eat because foods tend to define how the body functions and they can affect the brain either positively or negatively.
These are good and bad foods that can influence brain health according to Healthline.
Good Foods
Coffee: Coffee contains two main components, which are caffeine and antioxidants. Coffee helps to keep the brain alert, boosts the serotonin level in the brain and promotes concentration during various activities.
Turmeric: Turmeric contains curcumin, which is an active antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. Tumeric helps to improve memory, reduce signs of depression and promote brain cells’ growth.
Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate contains brain-boosting components like flavonoids, caffeine, and antioxidants. Chocolate is a mood booster because cocoa helps to increase the serotonin levels in the brain and flavonoids in chocolate helps to protect the brain and boost brain activities.
Egg: Eggs contain components like Vitamins B6 and B12, folate, and choline, which help to improve brain health. Choline in eggs helps to regulate the mood and improve memory and B vitamins help to produce the energy needed for brain cell development.
Orange: Oranges are high in Vitamin C, which can help prevent age-related mental decline and help prevent damaged brain cells.
Bad Foods
Alcohol: Excessive consumption of alcohol can result in metabolic and brain damage which can lead to memory loss, affect the sleep pattern and serotonin level in the brain. Serotonin regulates the mood and a low level of serotonin can make a person moody or lead to depression.
Sugary drinks: High intake of sugary drinks can increase the risk of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, reduction of brain function and Alzheimer’s disease which is linked to dementia. A study has also linked the consumption of sugary drinks to an early death.
Refined Carbs: Refined carbohydrate foods have a high glycemic index (GI) and high glycemic load (GL) which can reduce brain function and lead to degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Trans fat: Trans fat is a type of unsaturated fat that can have negative effects on the brain. It is naturally found in foods like meat and dairy but the real problem is the artificially made Trans fat. High consumption of artificial Trans fat can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, affect memory, reduce brain function and cognitive decline.
Processed Food: Processed foods are known to be high in sugar, fats, salt, calories and low in other nutrients. It can lead to weight gain and have a negative effect on the brain. It leads to a decrease in brain tissue, brain function and increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
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