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Whether we realize it or not, we may have been consuming dangerous drinks or foods every day. It cannot be denied, the delicious taste makes the tongue addictive. In fact, there are many bad effects that lurk your body's health, including your brain health, due to frequent consumption of the following foods and drinks.
1. Fish that contain mercury
Fish is known for its high protein content, which is certainly good for health. Even so, you still have to be careful in choosing the type of fish that you will consume. Several types of marine fish have a lot of mercury content which is dangerous if consumed in large quantities or too often.
Mercury will spread in the body, including to the brain. Toxins caused by mercury can damage the central nervous system and neurotransmitters (chemicals that deliver nerve cells in the brain).
A study from the Journal of Environmental and Public Health states that mercury exposure can also be very harmful to babies and children. Yes, mercury can interfere with brain development and cause damage to component cells in the brain. If left untreated, mercury poisoning can lead to cerebral palsy and delay in children's brain development.
This finding is also reinforced by the opinion of researchers from the University of South Florida who found that people with high levels of mercury in their blood experienced a five percent decrease in cognitive function.
Fish that are high in mercury include shark, yellowfin tuna and swordfish. However, this doesn't mean you have to get rid of it seafood of your daily diet. There are many other types of fish with low mercury content such as catfish, anchovies and salmon.
2. Foods high in trans fats
Other dangerous foods that you often encounter, namely foods with high trans fat content. Trans fats are commonly used by food manufacturers to make a food product that is durable and easy to use.
It is undeniable, this type of food is indeed very good for consumption. For example margarine, packaged snacks, and fried foods such as fried bananas, french fries, and chicken nuggets .
However, the risks you have to accept if you eat too many of these dangerous foods was proven in a 2011 study published in the American Academy of Neurology. The results of the study suggest that foods with high trans fat content can have a negative impact on brain work and decrease brain cognitive function.
This was also confirmed by Ewan McNay, Ph.D. from Albany University. Ewan said that saturated fat, which is not much different from trans fat, can damage the brain's ability to learn and remember new information, even just 10 minutes after consuming it.
3. Fast food
Behind the delicious taste and can make people addicted, processed food or what is commonly called fast food actually contains secret spices, namely sugar, fat and salt. This salt content can then make your blood pressure soar as well as reduce cognitive function.
Reporting from Healthline, a study involving 52 people proved that eating processed food can cause damage to cells in the brain which then decrease your brain function.
4. Sweet drinks
Who doesn't like sweet, refreshing drinks like syrup and sweet iced tea, especially when the weather is hot during the day? However, you need to be vigilant because consuming too many sugary drinks can harm your brain function and health.
This is supported by a study in 2015 in the Journal Neuroscience, which showed that mice fed a high sugar intake experienced a severe decline in brain cognitive function, inflammation of the brain, and impaired memory.
5. Alcohol
If you don't consume it in excess, drinking alcohol actually has pretty good benefits to support your health. However, it is possible that alcohol can also transform into toxic drinks that can harm your brain health.
Quoted from Healthline, a study shows that drinking alcohol in excess will have a major effect in reducing brain work and causing neurotransmitter disorders in the brain.
The bad effects of alcohol can also affect adolescents who are not yet time to drink alcohol. Because at that time, the brain was still developing. Teens who drink alcohol are also at risk of experiencing abnormalities in brain structure and function as well as behavioral disorders compared to adolescents who do not drink alcohol.
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