Eating THIS food can increase the risk of dementia
Food that you should avoid
Dementia is a growing concern among people of old age. Characterised by impairment of at least two brain functions, such as memory loss and judgement, dementia is not a specific disease. It is a group of conditions that impairs the ability to remember, think, or make decisions. Many factors can increase the risk of dementia, including genetics, age, diet, and lifestyle. Though age and genetics cannot be altered, we can surely control our food habits to reduce the risk of developing this disease later in life.
Foods that can increase the risk of dementia
It is a general belief that eating healthy is necessary to staying physically fit. In reality, it is equally vital for your mental well-being. It has been proven that taking junk and food low in nutrients can worsen your anxiety, stress and depression. Similarly, unhealthy food habits can also increase the risk of dementia. As per some studies, one of the worst foods to eat for dementia is refined carbohydrates.
How refined carbs are harmful to dementia
Refined
carbs are considered harmful for health because it increases the
glucose levels in the body. The carbs we eat are processed into sugar by
our digestive system and get transferred into the bloodstream. From
there it enters the cells with the help of insulin for producing energy.
Now all the carbohydrates we eat are processed at a different speed and
refined carbs are turned into glucose more quickly than other types of
carbs. So, it spikes the blood sugar levels at a more rapid rate and
leads to drastic fluctuation in it. Studies suggest that frequent
fluctuations in the blood sugar level over time can increase the risk of
dementia and type 2 diabetes.
The study
The
impact of glucose on our mental well-being was revealed in a study
published in the New England Journal of Medicine. It clearly stated the
risk of dementia increased in people with higher levels of glucose in
their system. It is common for all, those with diabetes or without
diabetes.
A previous study also suggests that being diagnosed with diabetes increases the risk of dementia. But the new finding made it clear that too much sugar in the system can have a negative impact on your brain health even without diabetes.
Foods you should avoid to lower the risk of dementia
Eating high-glycemic meals and refined carbs that are stripped of all the nutrients can lead to memory impairment. So, you need to cut down on products made from refined flour like bread, pasta, pizza, cookies. Swap them with food made with whole and fiber-rich grains. Along with that add more veggies, fruits and legumes to your plate.
Other food to be avoided
Refined
flour is just one food product that can impair your brain health, there
are several other items that are equally harmful. Eating these food
items in excess can increase the risk of dementia, mood swings,
depression and anxiety. Here are some other foods you need to cut down
from your diet.
Red meat less than four times a week
Fried or fast food less than once a week
One serving of cheese a week
Five pastries or sweets a week
One serving of alcoholic drink a day