File photo: Brain

The human brain is one of the most important organs of the human body that is responsible for the cognitive balancing on the body.

The brain directs and controls every single part of the body, in a nut-shell, I will like to say that – the brain can be regarded as the CPU (Central Processing Unit) of the human being.

The brain is really an essential entity of the body whose relevance to life and existence cannot be overemphasized.

The healthy state of the human brain is so important to live and as such would be guided and protected adequately.

Do you know that the brain’s health can be badly damaged and negatively affected by the excessive consumption of some foods? Well, in this article, I am going to be showing you four foods or substances that can badly affect your brain when taken in excess.

They are:

1. Refined Carbohydrate

Refined carbohydrate is a food group that is highly contained in the glycaemic index that is easily and swiftly digested by the body, resulting in an increase in both blood sugar and insulin level.

The excessive intake of refined carbohydrate foods has been known to be a major cause of memory loss.

These foods negatively affect the memory of the brain due to the inflammation of a part of the brain that controls areas of memory function, reaction to hunger and feeling of fullness called the hippocampus.

Examples of refined carbohydrates are sugar and highly processed grains like flour.

2. Alcohol

Little intake or consumption of alcohol does little or no harm to the body, but when taken excessively can do a lot of damages to vital organs in the body which includes the brain as well.

The excessive intake of alcohol is strongly associated with behavioural changes, disruption of sleep patterns and memory loss.

Alcohol is also known to be highly toxic when taken by a woman during pregnancy, health research have shown that alcohol consumed during pregnancy can seriously impair the proper development of the brain of the fetus and lead to developmental complications and disorder.

3. Sugary Drinks

Health research and study have proven through adequate findings that foods or substances that have high concentrations of sugar can increase the risk of having dementia.

Excessive intake of sugary food can cause the inflammation of the brain and also decreases its memory and cognitive functions.

4. Highly Trans Fatty Foods

Research has proven that the excessive intake of trans fatty foods could be a major cause of brain dysfunction and also impairs the ability to retain information or to memorize.

Examples of trans fatty foods are popcorn, vegetable oil, fried foods, potato chips and corn chips etc.