Foods that can damage your brain and you should stop eating daily

Our brain works 24 hours a day without rest and that is why it is extremely important to consume foods that keep it healthy and strong to prevent problems with memory, concentration and , even, the appearance of neurodegenerative diseases.

Think of our body as a car. Using poor quality fuel, oil, and antifreeze will most likely decrease the efficiency and life of your vehicle. In the same way, the brain requires a balanced and nutritious diet to counteract the effects of aging and stay healthy for much longer.

Here is a list of the most harmful foods for this organ that you probably have at home and consume daily.

Sugary drinksSodas, energy drinks and fruit juices that can be found in the market usually have a large amount of added sugar. According to the specialized media Healthline, these types of drinks not only increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, but are also very damaging to the brain.

A high intake of fructose (a type of sugar common in these drinks) can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, blood fats, and arterial dysfunction. According to the outlet, this whole set of factors increases the chances of developing dementia. On the other hand, a study in the Journal of Gerontology showed that consuming large amounts of fructose can lead to abnormal brain resistance to insulin, which affects functions such as memory, learning and the formation of neurons.

Fast food with trans fatsAccording to the Mayo Clinic, trans fats are considered the worst type of fat you can eat. We can usually find them in fast food and processed foods such as cookies, frozen pizza, fried potatoes and chicken. The main problem with this type of lipid is its ability to increase LDL cholesterol levels in the arteries. Which increases the risk of suffering a cerebrovascular accident. However, the problem with trans fats does not end there. According to the Spanish Confederation of Alzheimer's, the consumption of this type of food has been associated with shrinkage of the brain and the possibility of developing Alzheimer's. In addition, they can also slow down reflexes and decrease the brain's responsiveness.CaffeineWe know, coffee is one of our best allies to start with mornings and many of us cannot imagine our life without it. Before you freak out about quitting, coffee alone is harmful to the brain in large amounts. According to Healthline, about four cups of coffee, equivalent to 400 milligrams of caffeine, should be safe for most healthy adults. Above that, things can get tricky. The US Food and Drug Administration notes that consuming more than 600 milligrams of caffeine a day can cause headaches, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. In more extreme cases hallucinations and confusion may appear. Coffee has many benefits due to its antioxidants, you just have to be in moderation.SaltA study in Nature magazine with mice showed how a high intake of salt is related to a worrisome cognitive decline. Apparently, salt affects vascular health that regulates blood pressure, which has repercussions on the brain causing negative effects on the performance of its functions. It literally decreases the ability to think. It is best to avoid adding salt to foods that already naturally contain this ingredient.