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Our diet plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal brain health. A well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients promotes cognitive function, enhancing memory, concentration and mental clarity. Conversely, a diet lacking vital nutrients or dominated by unhealthy choices can impair mental activity, leading to decreased focus, mood disturbances and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, a healthy diet supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria which produce neurotransmitters and hormones that influence mood and cognitive function.

In a conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr K M Hassan, Senior Director, Neurology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Noida shared foods that are quietly damage your brain according to neuroscience.

Foods That Are Causing Cause Brain Damage

1. Sweet Drinks

Sweet beverages, like the soda and sports drink are very rich in fructose, a kind of sugar that harm brain health. High levels of fructose consumption lead to inflammation in the brain, disrupt cognitive functioning and even shrink parts of the brain, causing memory problems and possible dementia risk.

2. Fried And Processed Foods

Harmful fats, too much sodium and artificial additives which destroy brain health are abundant in most fried and processed foods. When people eat a lot of fried and processed foods, they increase their risk of cognitive decline, memory problems and Alzheimer's disease.

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3. Trans Fats

Trans fats: found in packaged snacks and fried foods. Such fats can evoke the secretion of inflammatory molecules damaging to brain cells by hampering communication between these cells; and may lead to cognitive decline, memory problems and a higher risk for dementia. Trans fats also tend to lower levels of HDL (good) cholesterol which is important for the brain's health.

4. Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates such as white bread and sugary snacks offer quick spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, so cognition and memory recall are impaired, especially for patients with diabetes or insulin resistance. High incidences of chronic high blood sugar have also been associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease.

5. Artificial Sweeteners

Some artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose are thought to be potentially toxic agents for the brain. Alterations in brain concentration of neurotransmitters that modulate mood occur due to these sweeteners and cause symptoms like depression, anxiety and headaches. The consumption of artificial sweeteners has also been associated with an increased risk for stroke and dementia.

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How To Protect Brain Health?

Brain health is primarily maintained by appropriate diets from whole food sources, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats. These foods which support brain health include fatty fish high in omega-3 fatty acids: nuts and seeds rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, green leafy vegetables fortified with folate and B vitamins and berries rich in antioxidants and flavonoids.

In combination with the limiting consumption of harm-causing foods and inclusion of brain-boosting ones in our diet, we may support cognitive function and reduce its risk against neurodegenerative diseases.