Foods and drinks that have a negative impact on the brain

Consuming processed foods, sugary drinks... can increase excess fat in organs, contributing to brain tissue loss, and long-term effects on brain areas related to memory and motor coordination.

On August 6, Dr. Pham Anh Ngan (University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital - Campus 3, Ho Chi Minh City) said that the food we put into our bodies more or less activates the brain's response and affects the long-term health of the brain. There are food groups that cause a decline in neural connections, reduce neural plasticity and have long-term effects on brain areas related to memory and motor coordination. On the contrary, there are also food groups - herbs that have been studied to show their role as antioxidants, protect nerve cells, help improve memory and regulate emotions.

Sugary drinks

According to Dr. Ngan, sugary drinks, including soft drinks and sports drinks, have been shown to increase the risk of disorders that lead to type 2 diabetes, as well as the risk of early dementia. Refined sugars (white sugar and sugar from grains) have a high GI (Glycemic Index), which means they are quickly absorbed by the body and increase insulin levels in the blood.

Sugary drinks with high GI have harmful effects on memory in both children and adults

ILLUSTRATION PHOTO: PEXELS

Several studies have shown that foods with a high GI have a harmful effect on memory in both children and adults. In addition, instead of refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, found in sugar-free foods, have been linked to behavioral and cognitive disorders.

"Aspartame can pass through the blood-brain barrier, disrupting neurotransmission, causing negative impacts on emotions and thinking ability. According to recommendations, a person weighing 68 kg should only consume a maximum of about 3,400 mg of aspartame per day. Depending on the brand, a packet of artificial sweetener contains about 35 mg of aspartame and a can of diet soda (340 ml) contains about 180 mg," Dr. Ngan shared.

Processed foods

Processed foods increase excess fat in organs, contributing to brain tissue loss.

One of the effects of processed foods on the brain is the depletion of neurotrophic factors such as BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). BDNF is found in various locations in the brain, including the hippocampus, which is involved in learning and long-term memory.

Besides sugar and fat in processed foods, alcohol and nicotine from cigarette smoke are also harmful to brain function.

Sugar and fat in processed foods are bad for brain health.

ILLUSTRATION PHOTO: PEXELS

The long-term effects of substances in food that have a negative impact on the brain have been studied:

• Increased risk of cognitive disorders and memory loss. Causes atrophy of certain brain regions and reduces the ability to transmit information between brain cells.
• Changes in neurotransmitter function, causing an imbalance of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA in the brain.
• Increased brain aging process.
• Increased risk of neurological disorders affecting specialized brain cells such as oligodendrocytes.

"On the contrary, many studies show that some foods and herbs have a supportive effect on brain activity, as well as protecting nerve cells. Therefore, choosing healthy foods will be good for the brain in particular and health in general," Dr. Ngan shared.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nhung-loai-thuc-an-nuoc-uong-anh-huong-khong-tot-den-nao-bo-185240806121826057.htm