Not many are aware of the fact that food can also impact the cognitive function of the brain and that is known as the brain-gut connection. Experts have opined that an unbalanced mix of unhealthy and healthy bacteria in the microbiome can put an influence in the brain chemistry. These can specifically impact dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline that affect the learning and memory. Here we will be discussing about the foods that could age your brain faster.
- Red meat – Too much of red meat can increase the levels of trimethylamine N-oxide which is a byproduct of the gut bacteria metabolism. It is also known as TMAO and high levels of it could lead to stroke or heart attack. An unhealthy microbiome could also be linked to chronic inflammation and also brain inflammation and could affect the flow of blood to the brain.
- Ultra-processed food – Highly processed foods like ice-cream, potato chips, frozen foods, bread bought from the store, cake mixes, cereals, packaged snacks and more is directly linked to faster cognitive decline. A research has shown that people who ate most ultra-processed food declined 28 percent faster in terms of memory and attention.
- Friend foods – Everyone loves deep fried foods that include French fries, fried chicken, fried jalapeno poppers, deep fried Oreo cookies and more. Not many are aware that these are some most the most inflammatory foods one could have. It could lead to blood vessel inflammation which could lead to cognitive decline and memory loss.
- Cane sugar and high fructose corn syrup –Fructose is the sugar that is found in a healthy fruit. But it is also found in cane sugar along with high fructose corn syrup. It is a cheap liquid sweetener that is used by manufacturers to improve the flavor. They could be found in soft drinks, candy, condiments, baked foods, bread loaves and other processed foods. Consumption of such foods could alter the ability of the brain to learn and remember things.
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