Your brain is the most important organ in your body, and you want to give it the best care possible. Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body, and this means knowing what foods can help keep both healthy and which ones might hurt them. In this post, Dr Bruce Grossinger will tell you which things to avoid when thinking about how to keep your brain healthy.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is especially important for the brain because it helps form cell membranes and aids in the production of hormones. However, high levels of cholesterol can lead to plaque build-up in arteries, which can increase your risk for heart disease or stroke.
The main sources of dietary cholesterol are animal products such as eggs, meat, and dairy products (eggs have more than chicken). Cholesterol from food doesn’t directly raise blood cholesterol levels – instead, it increases production by the liver so we need less dietary intake.
Saturated Fat
Saturated fat is a type of fat that can raise your cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. These risky fats are found in red meat (beef), butter, and cheese. They’re also naturally present in some foods like coconut oil and palm oil.
Trans Fats
Trans fats are found in fried foods, baked goods, and margarine. Trans fats raise bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. To avoid trans fats, you should limit or eliminate your consumption of fried foods (e.g., French fries). Also, avoid processed baked goods like cookies and cakes that contain partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs).
Processed Meats
Lastly, Dr Bruce Grossinger processed meats are meats that include bacon, sausage, and hot dogs as well as deli meats like salami, ham, and bologna. These meats have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes by a report from the World Health Organization (WHO).
