Experts in neurology have identified three foods that are detrimental to brain health and potentially linked to dementia.
Although research varies on the connection between diet and dementia development, the general consensus is that a Mediterranean diet supports a healthier lifestyle, thereby benefiting brain health.
According to Alzheimer’s Society, “For most people, following the Mediterranean diet is a good way to ensure a healthy diet, which may be important for maintaining good brain function.
“One of the reasons that the Mediterranean diet is thought to be beneficial is that it is high in antioxidants from fruits and vegetables. These may help to protect against some of the damage to brain cells associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Research has suggested that this may be beneficial to help maintain memory and thinking skills.”
The society noted that new research indicates adhering to a Mediterranean diet could lower the risk of dementia by up to 23 percent.
In addition to consuming oily fish, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables, experts advise avoiding certain foods.
Neurologist Dr. Shaheen Lakhan shared with HuffPost that soda is particularly harmful due to its high sugar concentration.
“Soda is one of the worst foods for brain health due to the high concentration of simple sugars, which damage the blood vessels supplying the brain,” he said.
“Over time, this starves the brain from the very fuels it needs to function, leading to premature dementia and strokes. Acutely, sugar also causes brain inflammation, irritability, poor mood and sleep disturbances.”
There is a common belief that butter is unhealthy due to its fat content, but margarine, which contains trans fats, can raise ‘bad’ cholesterol.
“We often hear that trans fats aren’t good for your heart and blood vessels. The same applies to the vessels of the brain,” said Dr. Shae Datta.
“A study from the journal Neurology found that older adults who had the highest levels of elaidic acid (a common type of trans fat) in their blood were more likely to develop dementia. Better to stick to olive oil and real butter.”
French fries are a popular indulgence, but Dr. Pedram Navab warns that high-fat foods can harm blood vessels.
“A diet that incorporates fatty foods like French fries can damage blood vessels that supply the brain, causing cognitive impairment,” he said.
“It reduces the blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and leads to neuronal damage of the hippocampus, a part of the brain that is instrumental for learning and memory.”