Eating the right foods can boost your intelligence. However, certain foods affect alertness, memory, mood, and the nervous system, harming brain health. A growing body of research confirms a significant link between IQ and diet. Below, the editor has compiled "8 Foods That Harm IQ" summarized by multiple nutritionists. Let's take a look.
Sweets
Eating sugar and sugary foods not only expands your waistline but also impairs brain function. Long-term sugar consumption harms neurological health and interferes with memory. Excessive sugar intake can also hinder learning ability.
Fried Foods
Some harmful substances produced during the frying process not only pose a cancer risk but can also slowly damage brain nerve cells and impair intelligence.
Alcohol
Long-term alcohol consumption not only damages the liver but also leads to "brain fog" (a phenomenon where the brain struggles to form clear thoughts and memories). However, this condition disappears if you stop drinking or limit it to 1-2 times per week.
Trans Fats
A 2012 study found that excessive intake of trans fats not only raises "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and lowers "good" cholesterol (HDL) but also causes brain shrinkage. Trans fats increase the risk of cerebrovascular degeneration and hardening.
Overly Salty Foods
Studies have shown that excessive salt intake not only leads to high blood pressure but also affects brain cognitive and thinking abilities, impacting intelligence.
Caffeine
Dr. Lauren Napolitano, a psychologist at Bryn Mawr Hospital in Pennsylvania, states that people with psychological issues should avoid caffeine. Many try to combat drowsiness by drinking coffee, only to inadvertently plunge themselves into a state of anxiety.
Processed Proteins
Meat is an excellent source of protein, but overly processed foods like hot dogs and sausages can damage the nervous system.
MSG
Dr. Chad Lawrence, a medical expert from Delaware, notes that research has found that excessive MSG intake not only causes headaches and chest tightness but also seriously affects brain health. This is because MSG overstimulates nerve cell receptors and can even lead to apoptosis of nerve cells.