Foods that are harmful to the brain

Here are some foods that if eaten too much will affect your alertness.

Tofu

The controversy surrounding soy continues with a study published in the journal Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorder, in which the authors found an association between high tofu intake – about nine or more times per week – and an increased risk of cognitive and memory impairment.

Researchers analyzed the tofu intake of 719 Indonesian men and women, and then gave them a series of memory tests. Those who ate more than nine servings of tofu a week had a harder time performing on demanding memory tests than those who ate less.

While the link is not conclusive—it’s merely association, not causation—the researchers speculate that the phytoestrogens in tofu may influence brain function. But before you go back to your steak habit, consider that tempeh—a popular fermented soy food—was actually found to improve memory in this study.

Salt

While the debate over the effects of salt on blood pressure and heart disease rages on, a new study finds that high salt intake combined with low physical activity has a negative impact on cognitive ability.

Canadian researchers tracked the physical activity and salt intake of 1,262 people, ages 67 to 84. Participants were placed into three groups: low-, moderate-, and high-salt dieters. The most significant changes were seen in those who were less physically active; those who ate less salt and were less active showed slower cognitive decline than those who ate more salt and were less active.

Fortunately, the situation can be reversed: According to a study in the journal Neurobiology of Aging, regular exercise neutralizes the negative effects of salt on the brain and heart.

Tuna

It's an easy, protein-packed meal that's perfect for a quick post-workout meal. But that doesn't mean it's good for your brain.

People who eat more than three servings of fish high on the food chain—like tuna, grouper, snapper, bass, swordfish, or shark—a week (or more than four servings a month) are at increased risk of cognitive decline, according to a study in the journal Integrative Medicine. The culprit? High levels of mercury, of course.

Researchers analyzed the seafood eating habits of 384 people and gave them a series of cognitive tests. Those with the highest levels of mercury in their blood scored lower on the tests than those with the lowest levels.

Saturated fat

University of Montreal researchers found that feeding mice a diet high in saturated fat (when 50% of calories come from unhealthy fats like palm oil and butter) impaired the function of the brain's mesolimbic dopamine system – the part of the brain responsible for motivation and happiness, and also implicated in mood disorders, drug addiction and overeating.

In contrast, mice fed monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil, did not show this association. The study also found that saturated fat impairs the animals' reward system, causing them to overeat to compensate for feelings of dissatisfaction./.

According to vov