You probably already know that the food you eat can make or break your overall health. For example, it’s no secret at this point that regularly indulging in fast food is likely to result in weight gain and a range of other health complications. However, one commonly overlooked role that your diet can play is its impact on the health of your brain. And while you may know about the importance of avoiding obvious culprits like alcohol, there are also many lesser-known offenders that could be sneaking their way into your diet, affecting your cognitive functions like your memory, and increasing your risk of age-related diseases.
To shed some light on one of the worst processed foods that is likely to take a toll on your brain health over time, we spoke to nutritionist Trista Best. She told us that pre-packaged, storebought bakery items like cookies, cakes, and more are among the worst offenders. Find all of her expert insight on how they could impact your brain and potentially lead to age-related diseases below.
Packaged bakery items and brain health
We all love a sweet treat from time to time. However, if you're regularly indulging in pre-packaged baked goods from the store, Best warns that you could be putting your cognitive function (including factors like memory, mood, and focus) on the line.
"Pre-packaged bakery items, like cakes, pastries, and cookies, can be detrimental to brain health due to their high content of unhealthy fats and processed nature," she says. "These products are typically laden with trans fats and saturated fats, which are associated with inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, including the brain." Yikes!
Over time, that inflammation and oxidative stress caused by unhealthy fats could have serious consequences, including several times of disease. "Chronic inflammation is a known risk factor for various neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer's and cognitive decline," Best says.
But the fat content of processed pastries isn't the only reason for concern. These baked goods are often packed with sugar, which is a well-known perpetrator of an array of health issues, including impaired brain function. "The excessive sugar and refined carbohydrates in these items can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, followed by crashes, potentially impairing cognitive function and mood stability," Best goes on.
Then there's the issue of the lack of nutritional value. When paired with all the harmful ingredients store-bought baked goods are loaded with, this is a recipe for disaster in terms of cognitive health. As Best puts it, "Pre-packaged bakery goods often lack essential nutrients and are packed with artificial additives, which can further contribute to adverse effects on brain health."
What to eat instead
All in all, a good rule of thumb—not only for the health of your brain, but also for your overall health—is to avoid processed foods in general whenever possible. Opting for whole foods and cutting out refined carbs like the kind found in pre-packaged bakery items could do wonders for your wellness.
If you typically rely on baked goods as an easy breakfast, try reaching for healthier, fiber-rich options, such as avocado toast made with sprouted bread. Or, if you've got a serious sweet tooth and love to eat cake for dessert, consider switching things up with healthier sweet treats.
Overall, Best concludes, "opting for whole, unprocessed foods and homemade baked goods with healthier ingredients can support better brain health and overall well-being."
READ MORE: The Brain-Healthy Habits Health And Food Experts Swear By For A Sharper Mind And Better Sleep
