Our diet can have a significant impact on more than just our waistlines. In fact, the foods you eat may be playing a larger role than you realize in your brain health—and that includes your memory and mood. As it turns out, on top of implementing brain-healthy habits like these, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet if you want to keep your mind clear and your mood lifted. Unfortunately, that may mean cutting out some of your favorite foods.
To discover some of the worst foods out there when it comes to your cognitive function, we spoke to nutritionist Mary Sabat. She told us that processed foods, fried foods, and high-sugar foods should all be avoided as much as possible for better brain health and mood. Find all of her expert insight below!
READ MORE: The Brain-Healthy Habits Health And Food Experts Swear By For A Sharper Mind And Better Sleep
1. Processed Foods
Excessive consumption of processed foods can take a serious toll on practically every area of your overall health. According to Sabat, that includes your memory and mood.
"These are high in refined carbohydrates, added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, which can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, impairing memory and mood," she warns. In fact, these harmful additives may even contribute to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
You can find some of the worst processed foods for your overall health here.
2. Fried Foods
We probably don't have to tell you twice that fried foods normally aren't the best choice for your wellbeing. While you likely know to avoid options like fried chicken (which you can read about the health effects of here) if you're trying to shed some pounds, did you know that it's also a good idea to cut out these foods if you want to keep your brain happy and healthy?
This is largely due to the oils that these foods are cooked in. "Fried foods are often cooked in oils high in trans and saturated fats, which can contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain," Sabat explains. Find more info on the risks of vegetable oils here.
3. High-Sugar Foods
If you have a sweet tooth, it can be difficult to resist the temptation of pastries, fruit juice, and fruity candy. However, if you want to keep both your body and brain healthy, Sabat reminds us that its crucial to keep your consumption of high-sugar options like these to a minimum.
There are several reasons for this, but one is the fact that sugar-packed foods will (unsurprisingly) lead to spiked blood sugar. "Consuming high amounts of sugar can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, which can negatively impact memory and mood," Sabat warns. Additionally, like the above options, these foods can increase inflammation in the brain, which, as we noted, can lead to cognitive decline.
Here are some of the worst sugary foods for your health.
The bottom line
While it may be tempting to indulge in processed, high-sugar, and fried foods, it's important to recognize the negative impact they can have on our memory and mood. On top of the effects they have on our bodies, these types of foods can impair cognitive functions like or memory and even contribute to mood disorders. However, it's also important to note that many factors can play a role in our memory and mood, such as stress, sleep, and physical activity. By prioritizing a balanced diet and making other positive lifestyle choices, you'll be one step closer to better brain health.
