Everyday we make decisions about what eat without much regard for the effects until they prove to be harmful. We all know that nutrition plays a crucial role in the development of mental processes with the help of vitamins and minerals, however, what we didn’t know is that even the pettiest dietary choice can actually affect one’s cognitive efficiency. Here are some them:

Resorting to junk food 

Foods high in bad saturated fat such as processed and fast food can stunt the rapid brain development of children. According to a 2011 British study of nearly 4,000 children, excessive intake of such junk food at age three can result to a drop in IQ five years later. In particular, effects in the verbal abilities of children have been observed when it comes to early diet choices.

Loading up on sugar

We all know that excess sugar (along with junk foods) make people obese, but science shows that it also affects mental activity, maybe even permanently. A study conducted on rats suggested that six weeks of high-fructose syrup diet sabotaged the ability of their synapses to pass on information. On obese humans, a permanent shrinkage of the brain happens and affects cognition.

Unnecessary dieting

Carbohydrates are a source of energy for your body, and that includes your brain. Without it, you will not only feel weak, you will also have difficulty remembering things because your brain lacks the dietary fuel to get itself going. What’s more, all those thoughts about what you can and cannot eat distracts you from the tasks at hand and drains your mental energy.

Getting wasted

Drinking too much alcohol can lead to the body being unable to break down and clear the toxic substance from the bloodstream. In turn, blood alcohol content rises and impairs brain function. Some examples of such effects are decreased coordination and clouded judgment. When blood alcohol content goes over the limit, alcohol poisoning sets in.

Some smart tips:

Children need to be repeatedly exposed to healthy food in order to get used to it.

Choose low or non-fat versions of food instead.

There’s always a better alternative, you just have to find it.

Read also: 

• Five important lessons about supplements and nutrition
• Matching your lifestyle with the right supplements