Our memory is one of the most significant aspects of your cognitive abilities. If you lose it, you would be likened to a damaged computer that could not recall or store data for future use. Memories also make life meaningful because the lessons learned from your experiences are stored and are priceless treasures as time goes by.
Unknowingly though, some people are not aware that through the food that they eat, they inadvertently destroy their memories gradually. Be a smart eater and learn about the five memory destroying foods that you should avoid.
#1 – Milk from animals treated with hormones
Milk coming from hormone-treated animals can cause cancer and eventual memory loss. This is
because the recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) given to cattle to increase their milk production adds to the naturally existing hormone in the body. Elevation of this hormone could cause colon, breast and prostate cancers.
The natural Growth Hormone (GH) comes from the anterior pituitary, and is stimulated by Growth Hormone Inhibitory Hormone (GHIH) from the hypothalamus. These are vital parts of your body, which could affect your memory function. Read the labels of milk products to ascertain that they come from trusted providers.
#2 – Popcorn that has been microwaved
Microwaved popcorn could be contaminated with the perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA found in your popcorn bag because of evaporation. Based on research, PFOA is a harmful substance that may cause cancer in the testicles, pancreas and liver.
They could consequently affect your memory because any sickness in any part of your body affects your memory. When your testicles are painful, you could have difficulty recalling information.
#3 – Farmed Salmon
Farmed salmon can be a memory destroying food because caretakers may treat the salmon with antibiotics and pesticides, which could be absorbed into the salmon’s skin. Pesticides are not meant for human consumption because they have harmful effects on the body, like obesity and diabetes.
Having a dose of antibiotics from contaminated salmon is also detrimental because it could damage the body. DDT, a type of organophosphate pesticide, has been found in post-mortem brain samples of people with Parkinson’s disease. DDT has been found out to kill brain cells as well, especially in children.
#4 – Refined sugars
Refined sugars may look clean and pure, but these are unhealthy foods, which could cause a lot of pathologic conditions, including memory deterioration. Glucose, a simple form of sugar, is an essential food for the brain, but when taken in excess and with preservatives, it is dangerous to your health.
You could eat the unprocessed form instead, or eat fruits for your sugar source. Most processed foods are not good for the health. You do not need refined sugar because the carbohydrates that you take in are sources for your sugar too.
#5 – Fatty fast foods
According to studies, fatty fast foods damage the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is an essential part of the brain; it is the center of the Central Nervous System (CNS). It is responsible for proper brain function.
When the hypothalamus is damaged, your memory would be impaired too. Fatty fast foods could also shrink the brain that could make you prone to Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is a condition in which there is deterioration of the person’s memory function.
These are the 5 memory destroying foods that you should avoid, if you want to maintain a sharp memory and hone your mental skills. Eating the right foods is not only good for the brain but also for the whole body.