13 Foods That Can Increase Your Risk of Cognitive Decline

Our food choices affect our health, including brain health. This article discusses foods that can worsen cognitive health & why it's vital to restrict their intake.

Cookies

Commercially produced cookies are often high in unhealthy fats and refined sugar. Overconsumption can lead to metabolic issues like insulin resistance, affecting brain function.

High Mercury Fish

Mercury is a neurotoxin that can harm the brain. Eating fish with high mercury levels can disrupt the nervous system, affecting learning, memory, and coordination. Learn more

Alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption can damage brain cells, trigger inflammation, lead to cognitive decline, and cause severe memory loss due to thiamine deficiency.

Aspartame

Aspartame, a common artificial sweetener, can cause cognitive decline and neuron damage when it breaks down into phenylalanine, aspartic acid, and methanol.

Margarine

Margarine, a processed food, contains harmful trans fats & omega-6 fatty acids, which can lead to heart and brain issues.

Soda

High sugar sodas harm cognitive health, fostering type-2 diabetes and brain function decline. Even diet sodas' artificial sweeteners disrupt neurochemical balance.

Microwave Popcorn

Microwave popcorn bags contain a chemical, diacetyl, which turns into harmful vapor when heated. It affects the brain, especially memory formation areas.

Processed Cheese

Processed cheese's artificial additives and high saturated fat may lead to heart diseases, stroke, and cognitive decline. Excessive sodium can impair brain function.

White Bread

White bread, made from refined grains, is high in fast-digesting carbs. Overconsumption can spike blood sugar levels, triggering an insulin surge. source

Red Meat

Eating lots of red meat can harm cognitive health due to high saturated fat, cholesterol, and iron, leading to plaque in arteries and impaired cognition.

Caffeine

Caffeine in drinks stimulates the nervous system. Moderate intake boosts alertness, but over-consumption can harm sleep and cognition. Withdrawal symptoms include irritability and poor concentration.

Fried Foods

Fried foods like fries & fried chicken contain unhealthy trans fats & sodium, causing inflammation & impacting brain health.

Whole Milk

Whole milk, a source of saturated fats and cholesterol, can cause plaque buildup in arteries, restricting oxygen and nutrient flow to the brain.

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