Everyone certainly wants to have good memory and focus. However, it cannot be denied that memory and focus can decrease over time. For example, increasing age. However, of course we can try to maintain it.
At least, preventing dementia at an age where it shouldn't be. Apart from foods that are good for the brain, it turns out there are also foods that should be avoided or reduced because they can weaken memory and focus.
Quoted from CNBC, Dr. Uma Naidoo, a nutritional psychiatrist, brain expert, faculty member at Harvard Medical School, and director of nutritional and lifestyle psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital explains some of the foods she tries to avoid.
1. Sugar
Foods containing sugar/ Photo: Freepik.com/jcomp
That doesn't mean we have to skip all foods containing sugar, beauties. Because the brain also needs energy in the form of glucose to fuel cellular activity.
However, what needs to be noted here is that it needs to be limited. Why? Because according to research, excess glucose in the brain is associated with memory impairment and reduced plasticity of the hippocampus, the part of the brain that controls memory.
So, what are the limits on sugar consumption? Regarding this, it is important to remember that each body has different sugar needs. However, the American Heart Association itself recommends that women consume no more than 25 grams of added sugar per day, and men stay below 36 grams of added sugar per day.
2. Fried Foods
Fried food/ Photo: Freepik.com/stockking
Who still likes to eat fried foods? It seems too delicious to pass up, Beauties. However, we must be able to limit it in order to live a healthier life. A study involving 18,080 people found that a diet high in fried foods was associated with lower learning and memory scores.
The possibility why this can happen is due to inflammation which can damage the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. So, if now Beauties often eat fried food every day, then try changing it to once a week. Slowly change your lifestyle to be healthier.
3. Carbohydrates with high glycemic content
Foods containing carbohydrates/ Photo: Freepik.com/freepik
Are you the one who likes pasta, bread and anything made from processed flour? If yes, then now you should be careful.
Even though these foods don't taste sweet, the body still processes them in the same way as sugar. This doesn't always mean that beauties have to skip consuming it 100%. Just reduce it and be really aware of everything you consume.
As a better alternative choice, Beauties can consume foods with better quality carbohydrates which can be obtained from whole grains, foods high in fiber, and others.
4. Nitrates
Nitrates in food/ Photo: Freepik.com/azerbaijan-stockers
Another ingredient that Beauties also need to reduce consumption of is the nitrate content. It is commonly used as a preservative and also as an ingredient to enhance the color of sliced foods and cured meats. Some of them include bacon, salami, sausage and others.
Research shows that nitrates can change gut bacteria in a way that leads to bipolar disorder.
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