9 Foods That Are Secretly Hurting Your Brain

Sugar

It’s no secret excess sugar isn’t exactly sweet where your health is concerned, but now new research indicates it may take a toll on your brain as well as your waistline. In one animal study, UCLA researchers found that rats fed a solution of fructose had a harder time navigating a maze, a sign of slowed learning and memory loss, compared to a second group of rats who were given the fructose solution as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to have a brain-boosting effect. The researchers suspect that the fructose-only diet decreased brain activity because it affected insulin’s ability to help brain cells use sugar to process thoughts and emotions. Certain omega-3 fatty acids may buffer the brain from the harmful effects of fructose. While this research is preliminary, it’s just general good health advice to minimize your intake of added sugar and up your consumption of foods rich in omega-3s, including walnuts, salmon, flax seeds and soybeans to your meals. Don’t miss these other 11 scary things sugar does to your body.

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