Five Grocery Store Foods Linked To Memory Loss
In an era when time is becoming more precious, most people resort to easy-to-eat meals from grocery stores or restaurants. Think hotdogs and cup noodles. While they save time and cut the stress of preparing a meal from scratch, we look at five foods associated with memory loss.
Processed Cheese
Processed cheeses often contain harmful additives and preservatives. The Cleveland Clinic points out that such cheeses can be high in saturated fats, linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease. A study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease also associated diets high in saturated fats with greater cognitive decline.
Processed Meat
Items like sausages and hot dogs fall under this category, often containing nitrates and high amounts of saturated fats. A study published in “Molecular Psychiatry” found that a high intake of processed meats is linked to an increased cognitive decline and risk of dementia.
High Mercury Content Fish
Consuming mercury-high fish, such as swordfish and king mackerel, poses a risk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration found that mercury exposure can harm developing brains. Another study in Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal shared that high mercury levels are associated with cognitive decline.
Instant Noodles
Despite their ease of preparation, instant noodles pose several risks. They are typically high in sodium and contain monosodium glutamate (MSG) additives. Excessive sodium intake has been linked to hypertension, and the American Heart Association warns that high-sodium diets can lead to vascular dementia.
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils
Hydrogenated Vegetable oils contain trans fats, which have been associated with cognitive decline. The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation notes that trans fats can increase oxidative stress, which is detrimental to brain health. A study published in the journal Neurology found that higher trans fat levels are associated with an increased risk of developing dementia.
