There are superfoods like oatmeal, which are better than helping a grandma cross the street, but there are also others that are true villains in this story; it turns out that there is food that can reduce our intelligence! It is no secret that junk food is harmful to the body, but according to the UNAM Foundation, the foods we present below interfere with the proper functioning of the brain, especially in areas related to memory and intelligence.

• Alcohol: Consuming it generates long-term “brain fog,” meaning mental confusion and poor memory, although it can be reversible if consumption is stopped.

• Sugar: We have already talked about the harmful effects that can arise from consuming large amounts of this ingredient, but in particular it can interfere with learning, cause neurological problems, and reduce memory.

• Junk food: According to the University of Montreal, pizzas, hamburgers, fries, and all these foods alter the brain's chemical processes associated with depression and anxiety. High-fat products cause withdrawal when stopped, as they affect dopamine production, leading to a lack of satiety and always seeking more. The absence of dopamine causes changes in cognitive function, learning ability, motivation, memory, and alertness.

• Artificial sweeteners: Due to their non-natural chemical origin, prolonged use can cause brain damage, as our body stores them when it cannot process them. In large amounts, they can interfere with cognitive ability.

• Fried and processed foods: Pre-fried foods destroy brain cells because the oils in which they are processed industrially contain colorings, artificial flavorings, and additives that affect behavior and cognitive functioning. This causes hyperactivity in children and adults.

• Cereals: Doctors William Davis and David Perlmutter claim that consuming grains causes premature aging, has a high impact on the brain and health, is related to dementia and Alzheimer’s, the solution is to consume 100 percent whole grain.
• • Trans fats: If consumed for a long time, they delay response quality and reflexes, and cause brain contractions similar to those of Alzheimer’s. By damaging the arteries, blood flow is altered, leading to a reduction in brain volume.
  • Salt: Consuming it in large amounts affects blood pressure and the heart; high sodium levels alter thinking ability and cognitive function.

See original article.