Snacks are a staple in many people’s diets, providing a quick and convenient way to curb hunger between meals. However, not all snacks are created equal. While some can offer nutritional benefits and sustained energy, others can negatively impact brain health. Snacks high in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives can contribute to cognitive decline, mood swings, and decreased mental clarity.
Neuroscientist Dr. Robert Love emphasizes the importance of being mindful about our snack choices in a recent TikTok, pointing out that some seemingly harmless foods can be particularly detrimental to brain health. Here are the three snacks Dr. Love advises avoiding to keep your brain healthy and sharp: peanut butter-filled pretzels, potato chips, and breakfast cereals.
1. Peanut Butter-Filled Pretzels
The first snack to avoid is peanut butter-filled pretzels. While some might consider this a healthy option, Dr. Love explains that these snacks pose several risks. The primary issue is the quality of the peanut butter used, which is typically low-grade and inflammatory. "Inflammation is one of the primary risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease," Dr. Love warns. Particularly, the vegetable oils used in the peanut butter, such as canola oil, can also cause inflammation. The pretzels contain gluten, which further contributes to inflammation. These combined factors make peanut butter filled pretzels a snack to avoid if you are concerned about your brain health.
2. Potato Chips
Another common snack that should be avoided is potato chips. It shouldn't come as a surprise to hear that this crunchy snack comes with health risks.
Dr. Love highlights that potato chips are not only super salty but also high in sugar, which might surprise many. The excessive salt content can increase blood pressure, while the high sugar content can lead to spikes in insulin and blood glucose levels. "Spikes in insulin and blood glucose can increase your risk of type two diabetes and that is a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease," Dr. Love warns.
All in all, they're a particularly harmful snack for brain health.
3. Breakfast Cereals
Lastly, breakfast cereals, often marketed as healthy choices, are another snack to be wary of. Dr. Love points out that "Most of them are high in sugar, so that will spike your insulin and increase the risk of type two diabetes." Additionally, many cereals also contain wheat, which includes gluten. Gluten increases inflammation, further contributing to the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other inflammatory conditions. The combination of high sugar and gluten content makes breakfast cereals a poor choice for maintaining brain health.
