“Boost Your Memory: Foods to Avoid and Include for Optimal Brain Health”

2023-05-19 23:21:19

There are many causes that can lead to Loss of memory. In fact, a healthy mind is only achieved through a few correct habits of life and to exercise the brain through activities that expand cognitive abilities. These habits include the regular practice of physical exercise and carrying out a proper diet.

This is how the doctor member of the Harvard Medical School Uma Naidoo explains it in a interview for CNBCwho emphasizes the importance of diet for the brain and indicates the foods that must be removed from the diet to prevent early memory loss and reduce the risk of certain degenerative diseases.

As for foods that support brain health, Naidoo lists green leafy vegetables, fruits, shellfish, nuts, legumes, and seeds, but there are five foods that, if consumed in excess, can be a serious problem for memory and ability to concentrate.

Foods that significantly impair memory

Added and refined sugars

Although glucose is necessary for the proper functioning of the brain, the excess of refined sugars is related to a lower plasticity of the hippocampus, that is, the part that controls memory. In this sense, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends limiting the daily amount of sugar. Thus, it indicates that 25 g/day of this food should not be exceeded in the case of women or 36 g/day in the case of men.

Processed foods

Abusing ultra-processed foods can negatively affect the cognitive function of the brain, since it can cause inflammation in this area. A study published in JAMA Neurology conducted with 10,775 adults supports this recommendation to limit the consumption of ultra-processed foods due to their potential damage to cognitive function.

Industrial seed oils

Highly processed oils, such as those extracted from soybeans, corn, rapeseed, sunflower or safflower, contain a large amount of omega-6 fatty acids, which, when consumed in excess, can lead to inflammation in the brain. The most recommended oil is extra virgin olive oil (AOVE).

Fried food

A diet in which it is common to consume fried foods is related to a lower ability to concentrate. In this sense, a study of the University of Cambridge points out that people with a diet rich in fried foods have a lower learning capacity and worse memory.

Artificial sweeteners

Other foods that should be avoided are artificial sweeteners, such as saccharin, stevia or sucralose, since they lack nutritional value and their habitual consumption can affect memory. Instead, you can opt for honey or spices.

Thus, the combination of a correct diet with regular brain stimulation Through activities such as practicing physical exercise on a regular basis, maintaining social connections, fostering motivational reserve and performing mental activities, it is an excellent way to significantly improve the memorization process.

This information does not replace in any case the diagnosis or prescription by a doctor. It is important to go to a specialist when symptoms appear in case of illness and never self-medicate.

“Boost Your Memory: Foods to Avoid and Include for Optimal Brain Health”