Reducing Processed Foods for Cognitive & Overall Health: Part 2
by Michelle Kicherer of www.BananaPitch.com
Last week we talked about processed foods and what they are. Now it’s time to talk more specifically about why they are bad for us, and what affect that can have on our cognitive health, particularly in those with dementia. Remember, processed foods are those that aren’t naturally occurring in nature, and often have multiple ingredients (are often ready-to-eat, pre-made foods) and that often contain chemicals that give them their color, texture, flavor and strangely long shelf life.
In general, processed foods contain a lot of different chemicals that are difficult for the body to process. They also tend to be very high in sodium, which increases blood pressure. Processed foods also tend to contain lots of sugar, which not only provides empty calories, but also strains our cardiovascular systems by causing quick surges in blood pressure, whether in the form of cane sugar or the even more difficult to digest, high fructose corn syrup (synthetically manufactured sugar).
But perhaps most startling are the chemicals in processed foods, some of which we do not know enough about. The latest studies strongly suggest that eating diets high in natural foods, especially fruits and vegetables, but also fish, seeds, nuts leads to a lower level of cognitive decline in older adults, and that diets higher in processed foods lead to more rapid cognitive decline and a higher chance of plaque forming on the brain.
Here are a few specific food ingredients/chemicals to avoid that relate to increased plaque and higher risk of cognitive decline:
Aspartame (artificial sweetener)
Diacytle (artificial butter flavoring) produces amyloid an Alzheimer’s linked protein
MSG (flavoring) incredibly harmful to brain health. Read here for more information and an extensive study.
Trans fats “shrivel” the brain
There is a lot to keep in mind when feeding yourself and those who you care for. Stay tuned for Part Three of this article, and for more articles on eating naturally and eating right for your body. Choose natural, and be well.
To contact Michelle Kicherer for nutritional consultation, email her! [email protected]. She is once again taking clients for dietary planning.