We hear a lot about how eating affects your health and your weight but did you ever wonder how food affects your brain? Let’s take a look at that question.
Our brain is the team leader that keeps our entire body functioning. It facilitates every process that takes place, it coordinates every action that occurs. Now, I don’t know about you but I don’t want anything murking up the driver of my car and, as it turns out, what you eat does affect your driver. A lot.
Just as our cars need regular maintenance to continue to run smoothly, our brains require a steady diet of nutrient-rich food to continue to function at an optimal level. That, of course, comes from eating high-quality food.
Welcome to “Healthy Eating 101: How Food Affects Your Brain”. Please find a seat, class has begun!
How Sugar Affects Health
Wait… Is Sugar A Processed Food?
Both refined sugar and high fructose corn syrup are processed from their original form (sugarcane, beets or corn) to become the easy-to-use sweeteners that we’re so familiar with. The problem is not really the processing of these products but the sheer volume at which they are added to our foods.
What are the side effects of eating too much sugar?
High sugar diets lead to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, which increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Studies show that increased glucose levels lead to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease even without diabetes being present.
Studies also show the excess consumption of fructose specifically, such as is found in high-fructose corn syrup, leads to an increased risk of dementia.
How much sugar is too much?
The American Heart Association recommends no more than 25 grams (6 teaspoons) for women and 36 grams (9 teaspoons) for men. Unfortunately, the average American consumes a whopping 108 grams (22 teaspoons) every day. That’s almost half a cup of sugar. Wondering how we’re managing to choke down that much sugar every single day? It’s really not that hard.
Traditional Coca-Cola, by their own admission, contains 65 grams of sugar in a 20 oz bottle. 13 teaspoons. With one bottle of Coke, you are well over your daily intake of sugar already and more than halfway to being an “Average American”.
I’m sure it’s no surprise to you that soda (pop, tonic or whatever your regional term for it is) has that much sugar. It’s no secret and many people have given it up completely for this very reason. But in this world of processed foods, you will find sugar in the most unlikely of places.
Pasta sauce, granola bars, instant oatmeal packets, salad dressings and breakfast cereal can all put a serious dent in your daily sugar allotment. Heck, there are some yogurts that can suck up your entire allowance!
Should I cut out sugar completely?
It’s not necessary to cut sugar out completely. Sugar and corn syrup aren’t evil villains who have it in for you. As a matter of fact, they’re here to help. Added sweeteners can enhance or mellow flavors by altering our perception of tastes but keep in mind that a little goes a long way. You can make a difference in your own diet by reading those nutrition labels so you can be aware of how much sugar you’re taking in. It might even cause you to start making your own spaghetti sauce.
The Link Between Serotonin and Depression
Do Processed Foods Lead To Depression?
Processed foods don’t, in and of themselves, cause depression but when we eat them we are not eating the healthy food we need to keep our serotonin at the proper level.
What is Serotonin?
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates a number of bodily functions, both physical and psychological. Low serotonin levels have been linked to poor memory, low mood, anxiety and aggression.
So How Does Serotonin Affect Depression?
While there is no direct link to low serotonin causing depression, there is a link to those who are already suffering from depression or have a family history of depression. While higher serotonin levels in this group of people don’t dissipate feelings of depression, it does provide a more positive emotional response to those feelings. In other words, they are less likely to take negative action, such as self-harm, in response to what they’re feeling.
What foods increase Serotonin?
Eating foods rich in tryptophan will help to increase serotonin levels but not all these foods will be able to cross the blood-brain barrier and actually help serotonin levels in the brain. Some foods that can pass the barrier are corn, milk and chickpeas which can be especially effective when paired with bright light and exercise.
What Other Foods Improve Brain Function?
The antioxidant beta-carotene that’s found in many orange and dark green produce can protect the brain against mental decline. An 18-year study showed that men who took beta-carotene supplements had sharper memory skills and less cognitive decline than their counterparts who were taking a placebo.
Consuming nuts, seeds, fish and certain oils provide omega-3 fatty acids in our diet. These lipids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that promote healthier brain cells and can lessen the deterioration of the brain.
Curcumin, which is found in turmeric, improves the function of brain neurons, strengthening and protecting them while encouraging their growth. This promotes memory and the ability to cope with mental strain.
The Bottom Line Is This…
Yes, you can eat a little more of this and a little more of that but the bottom line is this: Eating a whole foods diet is simply good for your mind, body and soul. The evidence shows that sticking to high-quality foods positively affects your brain function and emotional stability.
It’s time to take charge of your food, your health and your life. Your brain will thank you.
All my best,
Cynthia
cynthia@cynthiaeats.com
