Unhealthy diets containing junk food have been shown to affect the brain and lead to poor mental health. The findings come from researchers at Deakin University and the Australian National University.
Specific findings concluded that a part in the brain – the hippocampus – has been shown to be smaller in those who consume junk food. The hippocampus is responsible for learning, memory and mental health.
Researchers used MRI scanning to measure the size of the hippocampi in Australian adults between the ages of 60 and 64. Diet and other factors which could affect the hippocampus were measured and taken into account as well.
The results, published in BMC Medicine, revealed that seniors who consume junk food are more likely to have smaller left hippocampi. On the other hand, seniors who consume more nutrient-rich foods have larger left hippocampi.
Associate Professor Felice Jacka said, “Mental disorders account for the leading cause of disability worldwide, while rates of dementia are increasing as the population ages. Recent research has established that diet and nutrition are related to the risk for depression, anxiety and dementia; however, until now it was not clear how diet might exert an influence on mental health and cognition.”
Once again we see another study which highlights the importance of eating well; nutrition and diet play a large role in all aspects of health – brain size included.
Effects of lifestyle choices on brain size
Now that we know that eating poorly affects brain size, there are negative effects which can result in a smaller brain. Other lifestyle choices can also impair brain size, like smoking and being overweight. Research has revealed the negative consequences poor lifestyle choices have on our brain health, such as:
- Impaired cognitive ability in those with heart disease
- Smokers have worsened memory in comparison to non-smokers
- Smoking and diabetes are linked to cognitive decline
This goes to show that we should also continue to embark on other healthy lifestyle choices if we want to maintain memory and cognitive ability. Thus not smoking, controlling or preventing diabetes and preventing heart disease and obesity are all important aspects of health.
SOURCE: http://www.belmarrahealth.com
