Researchers report that junk food not only harms body weight, but also our brain’s performance. Other foods, on the other hand, can promote concentration and memory skills.

Unhealthy food only increases the craving for it

The Macquarie University scientists studied 105 young, healthy volunteers who normally ate a balanced diet and divided them into two groups. One group ate junk food, i.e. foods high in sugar and saturated fat, for eight days. So there was toasted sandwiches and milkshakes or Belgian waffles for breakfast, later a main meal from a fast-food chain. The control group ate their usual meals.

Both groups could choose unhealthy snacks before and after breakfast on the first and last day of the experiment. It was to be tested how great their desire for it was and – after trying it – how good they had tasted it.

Other environmental influences also affect the hippocampus

Factors that occur primarily in the western world – insomnia, stress, environmental toxins, depression and type II diabetes – have a negative effect on the hippocampus. Combined with an unhealthy diet, this could mean both acute and long-term damage to this brain region.

Fish, nuts, and whole grains are better choices

In order to promote the ability to concentrate and memory through nutrition, long-chain, complex carbohydrates, such as those found in whole grain products, should be used. Omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish, nuts and rapeseed and walnut oil are said to have a beneficial effect on the nerve cells and their interaction. Proteins from fish, seafood, lean dairy products, legumes, and whole grains are also considered beneficial.