Additional Coverage:
- 7 Potentially Harmful Snacks That Are Linked To Anxiety, Alzheimer’s, And Cognitive Decline: Potato Chips & More (shefinds.com)
Snack Attack! 7 Seemingly Harmless Treats That Could Harm Your Brain
Grabbing a quick snack is oh-so-easy these days. But while those convenient treats might satisfy your hunger, some could be quietly wreaking havoc on your brain. Dietitian Trista Best, of The Candida Diet, warns us about seven surprising culprits:
- Sugary Pastries (Donuts, Muffins, etc.): These sweet treats are loaded with refined sugar and trans fats, leading to blood sugar spikes and brain inflammation.
Think depression, memory problems, and even long-term cognitive decline. Time to rethink that daily donut.
- Potato Chips: We all know chips aren’t health food, but their impact goes beyond the waistline. Omega-6 rich oils and high sodium content can lead to brain inflammation and increase the risk of Alzheimer’s.
- Candy and Gummy Snacks: That sugar rush from your favorite gummies comes with a crash, affecting mood and focus. Over time, excess sugar can cause oxidative stress in brain cells, impacting memory and learning.
- Microwave Popcorn: Movie night staple?
Maybe not. Many microwave popcorn brands contain diacetyl, a chemical that may contribute to plaque buildup in the brain, potentially leading to brain fog and long-term neurological issues.
Air-popped is a much safer bet.
- Diet Sodas and Artificially Sweetened Snacks: “Diet” doesn’t always mean healthy. Artificial sweeteners could disrupt brain neurotransmitters and gut-brain signaling, potentially increasing anxiety and the risk of stroke and dementia.
- Ultra-Processed Snack Bars: Those granola bars or protein bars might seem healthy, but hidden added sugars, refined oils, and emulsifiers can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to inflammation that impacts both gut and brain health. Fatigue and even a higher risk of Alzheimer’s are potential consequences.
- Frozen Pizza Rolls/Mini Pockets: Convenient, yes, but these freezer staples are often packed with refined carbs, sodium, and unhealthy fats, all linked to impaired brain function, memory problems, and anxiety. Perhaps fresh pizza is the way to go!