1. Cinnamon Rolls
Sadly, this gooey, sugary, and cinnamon-loaded sweet treat is one of the culprits Sandison says can wreak havoc on not just your brain health, but overall wellbeing.
"This combination includes gluten, fat, and sugar, three insults not only to your gut but also to your brain," she notes. Most of the time, people buy cinnamon rolls from stores, which end up being highly processed and packed with an insane amount of sugar and fat.
The high sugar content can lead to inflammation, while the gluten and unhealthy fats contribute to cognitive decline if eaten excessively.
2. Donuts
There’s no denying that sugar is delicious (not to mention addicting), but unfortunately, it’s also terrible for your overall health–especially when it comes to age-related diseases. While there are tons of unhealthy sugary foods out there, Iafelice says that donuts are among the worst due to their combination of both sugars and unhealthy fats.
So, what makes sugar so bad for your brain, exactly? And what diseases does it put you at risk of? Unfortunately, a lot of them, from Alzheimer’s to heart disease. "A diet high in processed sugars may increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease," Mitchell warns. In fact, she points out that Alzheimer’s disease is frequently referred to as “diabetes of the brain” due to its link to high blood glucose levels and insulin resistance. “Studies suggest that chronically high blood glucose may contribute to cell damage throughout the nervous system, including the parts of the brain associated with this neurodegenerative disease,” she warns. Yikes!
3. Sugary Cereals
Sugary cereals are a popular breakfast and snack choice, but they are often loaded with refined carbohydrates and added sugar. All that sugar can take a toll on your health. Nanavati explains, "This can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, leading to brain fog and difficulty concentrating." The rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels can make it hard for your brain to maintain steady energy, resulting in impaired cognitive function. Over time, consuming high-sugar breakfasts can lead to insulin resistance, which further exacerbates brain health issues.
4. Pastries
Pastries that are high in sugar and unhealthy fats, according to Nanavati, "can impair cognitive function and contribute to memory problems." The combination of sugar and trans fats in these foods can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, which can negatively impact brain health and lead to issues with memory and focus. Additionally, the high-calorie content with little nutritional value means these foods can contribute to weight gain and associated metabolic disorders, further affecting brain function.
5. Ice cream
Ice cream may be a beloved treat, but it's typically high in added sugar and saturated fat, which can negatively affect brain health over time. Excess sugar can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, increasing the risk of insulin resistance and inflammation—both linked to cognitive decline.