Eating the right foods can boost intelligence, while certain foods affect alertness, memory, mood, and the nervous system, harming brain health. The latest article in the American "Daily Medical News" lists the "Six Most Brain-Damaging Foods" confirmed by research.
Caffeine
Dr. Lauren Napolitano, a psychologist at Bryn Mawr Hospital in Pennsylvania, USA, states that people with psychological problems should avoid caffeine. Many try to combat drowsiness by drinking coffee, but inadvertently throw themselves into a state of psychological agitation.
MSG
Research has found that excessive MSG consumption not only leads to headaches and chest tightness but also seriously impairs brain health. This is because MSG over-stimulates nerve cell receptors and can even cause nerve cell apoptosis.
Processed Foods with Preservatives
Processed foods contain ingredients such as preservatives, colorings, and artificial flavors that affect behavior and cognitive abilities.
High Salt
Medical research indicates that excessive salt intake may indirectly lead to memory decline and gradually affect a person's intelligence. Multiple studies have confirmed that salt levels in the body are directly proportional to blood pressure. When blood pressure rises beyond a certain point, the brain can suffer continuous minor damage, which can affect certain brain functions, including intelligence.
Sugar
A high-sugar diet can easily cause protein glycation and denaturation, leading to nerve damage, reduced intelligence, and accelerated brain aging. Children accustomed to high-sugar diets perform poorly on intelligence tests and have unstable emotions. Surveys show that the proportion of sucrose in the diet is negatively correlated with academic performance and IQ. Diets low in nutrients and high in sucrose have a significant adverse effect on learning. Fructose reduces brain and memory function, and long-term, excessive sugar consumption can lead to memory decline and other issues.
Trans Fatty Acids
Excessive intake of trans fats not only raises "bad" cholesterol and lowers "good" cholesterol levels but also leads to brain atrophy. Trans fatty acids increase the risk of cerebrovascular degeneration and hardening.