There is no doubt in the fact that food plays a huge role in shaping your health, and time and again experts have stated the devastating effects of processed foods on overall health, especially brain and heart health. Keep in mind that the foods you consume can be your greatest ally or your biggest enemy. You have to be careful about the foods you are putting in your body.

It is estimated that the number of people affected by Alzheimer’s will touch 15 million by 2050. This epidemic has been ongoing since a couple of years now and the situation seems to be worsening. Yes, a proper cure for Alzheimer’s or other-related dementia is yet to see the light of day, but there are ways you can keep your brain in good shape as you age, which can significantly cut your Alzheimer’s risk.

A first and effective step is to completely say goodbye to processed foods (meat products, snacks like biscuits, chips, cookies, cheese, ready meals), which has kind of become a part of our lives. Our life seems to be incomplete without them. Today’s busy lives hardly leave any time to take out for healthy, homemade food. But, what people don’t realize is processed foods largely contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Similarly, healthy dietary choices prevent it from developing.

Outlining other foods that you should absolutely steer clear of or limit intake of at least, to reduce their negative impact on your brain:

Sugary products or foods with high sugar content- you put yourself at the risk of an array of neurological problems when you consume these foods. Avoid or cut down consumption of sugar, baked goods, corn syrup, etc. to the best of your ability if you wish to preserve your cognitive function. Artificial sweeteners are as damaging for the brain.

Fried foods- Fried foods can equally put your brain in harm’s way. This can be attributed to all the chemicals, preservatives, artificial flavors, etc. in these foods that over a period of time destroy the nerve cells in the brain. It is important that you are mindful of the cooking oil you use too, for example, use healthy cooking oils like olive oil instead of the unhealthy ones (sunflower).

Foods with high salt content- Not only does food containing high amounts of salt put someone at an increased risk for heart disease by causing a spike in blood pressure, but one’s cognitive function is also impacted when you eat very salty foods. Watch your intake of Pretzels, instant noodles, pasta sauce, and so on to keep your salt consumption under check.

Then there are grains (barring 100 percent whole grains), trans fats (baked products like cakes and cookies, fried foods like French fries and fried chicken, shortening), junk or fast food, and not to mention alcohol and smoking that you should avoid at all costs to preserve brain health.

Some of the super-foods for brain 

1.      Leafy greens

2.      Whole grains (oats, brown rice)

3.      Fish containing the brain-friendly omega-3 fats like salmon, herring, tuna and mackerel.

4.      Beans like chickpea, kidney