The brain is very important; some people have excellent memories and rarely forget anything. Others, however, tend to forget things easily, which reduces their learning and working efficiency. The reasons behind this are not only related to genetics and environmental factors but also to the nutritional status of the body.
Foods Containing Heavy Metals That Are Harmful to the Brain
In this constantly changing era, many people cannot imagine a meal without meat, and they find it hard to eat bland seasonings, leading them to consume less and less vegetables. They are unaware that “diseases come from what we eat.” Did you know that some seemingly harmless eating habits can pose significant health risks?
The brain contains trillions of neurons that engage in daily “heavy lifting” activities. If it does not receive enough energy from nutrients, it is prone to conditions like forgetfulness and reduced working capacity. So, what dietary habits can hinder brain development?
Consuming these four types of foods containing heavy metals can harm the brain:
1. Seafood Farmed Under Poor Standards with High Mercury Content
Mercury primarily comes from household and industrial wastewater. Farming seafood without adhering to safety standards can expose these aquatic products to heavy metals.
Individuals who consume foods with excessive mercury can hinder neurotransmitter functions, disrupt information transmission in the brain, leading to headaches, reduced hearing, and a higher incidence of brain-related diseases.
Be cautious of polluted water sources in aquaculture.
2. Processed Foods and Food Additives Containing Aluminum
Aluminum is often found in foods that use potassium alum (a type of pickling agent) as a leavening agent to save costs and enhance flavor, such as breadcrumbs, rice cakes, and fried pastries. Processed foods like egg cakes, donuts, and potato chips also contain aluminum.
Aluminum can inhibit the activity of enzymes in the brain, leading to poor memory, reduced cognitive abilities, and even memory loss. Studies have found that aluminum levels in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients are approximately 2 to 30 times higher than in healthy individuals.
3. Canned Foods That May Contain Lead
Lead is a major threat to brain cells.
Lead in food mainly results from food processing or production processes that involve lead, such as preserved eggs, canned ham, and other canned foods.
Lead is a significant threat to brain cells; when lead levels exceed permissible limits, lead ions combine with proteins and amino acids, obstructing the nutrient supply to the brain and damaging brain cells.
Be a wise consumer. Of course, you should seek out meat and vegetables from quality-certified sources, even if they are slightly more expensive, as this will provide peace of mind.
4. Processed Foods High in Sulfur
A study involving 30,000 women revealed that consuming foods containing sulfur compounds increases the risk of colorectal cancer. A team led by Professor Andrew T. Chan from the Buddha Medical School conducted this large-scale study primarily with young and middle-aged women.
To prevent bamboo shoots from molding, sulfur fumigation is used.
To prevent bamboo shoots from molding, sulfur dioxide (SO2) fumigation is employed. If the levels exceed permissible thresholds, sulfur in dried bamboo shoots can harm health.
The research found that consuming a lot of meat or processed foods while not eating enough vegetables and legumes negatively impacts gut health. The increase in sulfur-metabolizing bacteria is closely related to the early onset of colorectal adenoma.
Unhealthy eating habits alter the original gut microbiome environment, particularly the increase of sulfur-metabolizing microorganisms in the gut, which produce hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Previous studies have identified H2S as a toxic substance with a rotten egg smell, which can promote colorectal cancer.
High-sulfur microorganisms often enter the gut through food. Foods high in sulfur include processed meats, bottled fruit juices, and handmade candies…
