What foods slow down brain function? 4 foods you shouldn’t overindulge in

nutrition expert, founder of the GetVegetable nutrition delivery service

What foods should you give up to improve brain function?

The health of the entire body depends on the condition of the brain. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of it as early as possible. Let’s consider the main products that are harmful to the brain and the whole system – if possible, they should be excluded from the diet.

Separately, we will say about hydrogenated oils, which also belong to trans fats. This is an extremely destructive product not only for the brain, but also for the heart and vascular system. It is because of it that the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia increases.

Today, 60 countries have introduced bans or restrictions on the production of trans fats. Russia is not yet on this list. But Russian legislation obliges manufacturers to reduce the amount of trans fats in fat and oil products to 2%. Initially, this figure could reach 20%.

How many trans fats is it safe to consume per day? For a normal person it is less than 1% of the daily calorie intake, i.e. 2-2.5 g per day, no more.

Fast Carbohydrates

Fast carbohydrates enter the bloodstream instantly and are immediately transformed into energy. That’s why they are also called easily digestible. At the same time, blood sugar levels rise sharply. But the body needs to utilize this sugar in some way, so it begins to produce insulin – a hormone that directs these calories either to “close” the current needs of the body, or in the “fat depot”. What happens next?

There is a sharp surge of insulin in the blood, after which come fatigue, weakness and an imaginary feeling of hunger. Therefore, fast carbohydrates lead to rapid obesity. In addition, the glucose left in the blood after eating fast carbohydrates damages the walls of blood vessels. Where the vessel is destroyed, atherosclerotic plaque can develop, causing the brain to stop getting the right amount of nutrients and oxygen.

All foods that have sugar in them contain fast carbohydrates:

• sweet confectionery: cakes, pastries, milk chocolate;
• baked goods: white bread, muffins, pies, buns;
• fruits: apricots, peaches, melons, cherries;
• ice cream;
• honey;
• fruit juices;
• carbonated drinks;
• sweet tea;
• alcohol;
• polished white rice.

Harmful foods and substances described above can provoke memory impairment, slowing down and premature aging of the brain. Therefore, it is worth being more attentive to the quality of the food consumed.