Surprisingly, the food you eat affects neurons, which are the main cells in the brain. In the brain, an unhealthy diet rich in fat and sugar causes inflammation of neurons and inhibits the formation of new neurons. This can affect the way the brain works and contribute to brain disorders such as depression. This area doesn't mature until their early 20s, which is why teens can sometimes act impulsively.
Oily fish and avocados are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which stimulate neurogenesis and aerobic exercise helps us lose weight and also increases neuroplasticity in the brain. As effective as they are at satisfying hunger, eating too much junk food can ultimately do much more harm than good. However, sugary and ultra-processed junk food can cause inflammation in the brain and increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases and other chronic diseases. Yes, junk food can be a quick way to ease hunger pangs, but soon after you'll want something much more important: clarity.
In their experiment, while there was no change (positive or negative) in how participants felt good, those who felt depressed felt worse after eating junk food. In addition to the slowness caused by too much junk food in your diet, you may also experience feelings of physical discomfort associated with food choices, such as bloating and headaches. Just as eating foods you're allergic to can make your mouth inflamed, junk food can cause a similar reaction in the brain. Diets loaded with junk food have been shown to reduce neuroplasticity, which is essential for us to form new memories and learn new things quickly.
Dr. Amy Reichelt, a neuroscientist at RMIT, explains why junk food is refined so that it gets right to the sweet spot: the brain. The sodium benzoate in junk food can cause a pleasant “high”, leading to hyperactivity or nervousness. Junk food is often made up of high levels of salt, sugar and artificial colors, making it an attractive option for those looking for fast food that tastes good.
People who tend to eat a lot of junk food or fast food waste more than those who take the time to prepare meals. The hippocampus is the brain's memory center, and researchers have found that people who eat a lot of junk food don't do as well as those who follow a healthy diet on simple memory tests. Your body processes different foods in different ways, and choosing the wrong foods (junk food) can make you feel lightheaded and lazy.
