The foods you eat each day shape your body’s health. When you consistently choose nutritious options, your organs function well. But regularly overdoing unhealthy foods can slowly harm your organs, including your brain.

Foods That Can Harm Brain Health

The brain is central to nearly every function in the body. Along with the spinal cord, it directs movement, speech, eating, and many daily activities. Keeping brain function at its best matters. One way to support it is by choosing healthy foods. Some items, when eaten in excess, can undermine the brain. Below are examples of bad foods for the brain to limit:

1. Sugary Beverages

Sweet beverages such as soda, energy drinks and packaged drinks are known to pose a danger not only to your blood sugar levels but also to the brain. Reporting from Healthline, drinking sweet beverages is not only widening your waist circumference, but also dangerous for the heart and brain.

The side effects of sweet beverages do not directly damage the brain, but sweet beverages can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes which has the risk of Alzheimer's disease. A number of studies in mice show that mice who consume large amounts of sugar experience metabolic disorders and memory problems. However, experts still need further research to examine its impact on humans. However, experts still suggest limiting the consumption of sweet foods and beverages to maintain body health.

2. Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods tend to be high in sugar, added fats, and salt. Examples include chips, candy, instant noodles, packaged sauces, and other shelf-stable items. These products are calorie-dense yet low in nutrients. They can promote weight gain, which may negatively affect brain health. One study found frequent intake of fried foods and processed meats was associated with lower scores in learning and information retention.

3. Foods Containing Trans Fats

Natural trans fats occur in small amounts in some animal products like meat and dairy. The bigger concern is artificial trans fats, the hydrogenated vegetable oils found in margarine, frosting, snacks, and many ready-to-eat cakes and cookies.

As reported by WebMD, high trans-fat intake has been linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease, poorer memory, and decreased cognitive function.

4. Alcohol

Heavy alcohol use is well known to damage the brain. People with alcohol dependence often develop vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency, which can cause Wernicke’s encephalopathy and later progress to Korsakoff syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by amnesia, confabulation, poor insight, and apathy, where patients lose interest in what is happening around them.

5. Foods Containing Mercury

Mercury is a neurotoxic heavy metal that can persist for long periods in animal tissues. Fish exposed to contaminated waters over time may accumulate high mercury concentrations. Once mercury enters the body and brain, it can spread and disrupt the functions of the brain, liver, and kidneys. In pregnancy, elevated mercury levels can cross the placenta and affect the fetus. Expectant mothers should therefore choose fish carefully and pay attention to species and sources.

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