Junk Food Can Shrink Your Brain
Did you know that junk food can shrink your brain?
New research has shown for the first time that the part of the brain used for learning, memory and mental health is smaller in people with unhealthy diets….
“It is becoming even clearer that diet is critically important to mental as well as physical health throughout life,” Associate Professor Jacka said…
The results of the study, now published in the international journal BMC Medicine, suggest that older adults who eat more unhealthy foods, such as sweet drinks, salty snacks and processed meats, have smaller left hippocampi. It also shows that older adults who eat more nutrient-rich foods, such as vegetables, fruits and fish, have larger left hippocampi….
These findings have relevance for both dementia and mental health, Associate Professor Jacka said….
“This latest study sheds light on at least one of the pathways by which eating an unhealthy diet may influence the risk for dementia, cognitive decline and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety in older people.
“However, it also points to the importance of diet for brain health in other age groups. As the hippocampus is critical to learning and memory throughout life, as well as being a key part of the brain involved in mental health, this study underscores the importance of good nutrition for children, adolescents and adults of all ages.”
The results of the study are available on BMC Medicine at http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/13/215
