What you eat has a significant impact on your health, especially your brain. Keeping the brain in top shape is crucial for health and overall well-being. But did you know that some of the common foods you eat may be silently damaging your brain? Dr. Raveesh Sunkara, a Board Certified Neurosurgeon, based in Hyderabad, has spoken about three foods that he strictly avoids due to their detrimental effects on brain health. Let’s take a look. Foods with trans fat
If you enjoy eating deep-fried foods or packaged snacks, you may want to rethink. Dr. Sunkara emphasized that foods high in trans fats are harming the brain. These fats could be listed as ‘partially hydrogenated oils’ on ingredient labels. From chips to pastries, trans fat is found in most of your indulgences. “This causes a lot of inflammation to the brain and leads to a lot of problems in the long term,” the doctor said in a video shared on Instagram. To reduce trans fat intake, opt for whole, unprocessed foods. Checking nutrition labels carefully can also help, but try to eat ‘real food’. Cooking with healthier oils, such as olive or avocado oil, can also help minimize exposure.Sugary drinks
Ever heard of empty calories? Sugary drinks are perfect instances of empty calories. They are packed with chemicals that are harmful to your health. Consuming high-sugar drinks may lead to obesity, diabetes, and many other chronic diseases. The neurosurgeon has now pointed out its impact on the brain. “High sugar causes blood glucose spikes, especially in the form of liquid. It causes a lot of spikes, leading to brain fatigue over time. This, in the long term, can even shrink your brain,” he said. Studies have long found the link between excessive sugar consumption to reduced brain volume, particularly in areas responsible for memory and decision-making. The glucose spikes can also affect clarity. You can swap sugary drinks with water, herbal teas, or unsweetened alternatives.
Ultra-processed food
All those sugary drinks, packaged snacks, sweets, ice cream, packaged breads, processed meats, and ready-to-heat products are wreaking havoc on your health. Ultra-processed foods are linked with gut issues, and the neurosurgeon notes that this also leads to the disruption of the gut-brain axis. An unhealthy gut can lead to inflammation and impaired neurotransmitter function. This could increase the risk of anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. Eat a healthy diet rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, which promote a healthy microbiome and support cognitive health.
