5 Brain Damaging Foods in Your Kitchen That Should Be Avoided
Your brain’s functions including your intelligence and that of your family may be affected by certain food products. Unknowingly, some of these products may already be found in your pantry or kitchen. Some people call them intelligence-killing products because over time, they can reduce the normal functioning of your brain causing memory loss and other brain problems. It is best to avoid or consume brain-damaging foods to avoid their bad effects:
1. Artificial Sweeteners
Some people who are trying to lose weight opt for artificial sweeteners because they contain fewer calories. However, artificial sweeteners are on the top of the list of brain-damaging foods. Artificial sweeteners may hinder brain development and affect a person’s cognitive capacity. One of the popular artificial sweeteners is aspartame which is considered a neurotoxin or brain poison. It may be present in products such as sodas, juices, yogurts, ready-made sauces, drink powders, cereals, and other products labeled as “sugar-free.”
3. Junk Foods
Junk foods especially those that are high in fats can affect the production of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is important for healthy brain development and it also promotes the overall well-being, cognitive function, alertness, memory, and learning capacity of the brain especially among children whose brains are not yet fully developed. Moreover, junk foods with high levels of salt can also impair your ability to think.
3. Processed Foods
Processed foods such as hotdogs, sausages, salami, and corned beef are a favorite of many children. They are also a favorite breakfast food of many people. But they are also brain-damaging foods to be avoided. However, these food products can greatly affect brain function. They can increase your risk of having brain disorder such as Alzheimer’s disease if constantly consumed.
4. Foods high in trans-fats
Foods such as margarine, cup noodles, cake mixes, processed meat, cereals, and packed cookies are foods that must be consumed in moderation or should altogether be avoided because they may contain high levels of trans-fats. Trans-fats will not only increase your risk of heart problems and obesity but they will also affect your brain function. Foods high in trans-fats can also affect your brain’s ability to respond and may cause brain shrinkage if continuously consumed in high amounts.
5. Alcoholic drinks
Consuming alcoholic drinks in moderation is fine. But frequent consumption in big amounts may also affect your brain’s functioning just like the effects of other brain-damaging foods. Alcohol can cause brain fog and will impair your ability to think, focus, and reason properly.
Many people admit having at least one of the brain-damaging foods listed above. It can be hard to avoid them especially when you are shopping in a supermarket where all sorts of processed and commercially prepared foods are present and readily available. But as a consumer, you should always be cautious and prudent about your choice of foods. When shopping, always read the label of the food products you will be feeding your family. Avoid as much as possible those foods that can be damaging to you and your family’s health and brain function.
