The use of artificial sugar has faced a lot of controversy lately. There is a lot of controversy surrounding the use of Aspartame and its neurological effects. That is, the effects on the brain. A case study at CASE WESTERN Reserve University was halted prematurely for safety reasons because subjects with a history of depression appeared to be experiencing such severe reactions to the sweetener. The researchers concluded that “individuals with mood disorders are particularly sensitive to this artificial sweetener and its use in this population should be discouraged.”
But recently its effects were investigated in a population free from mental illness. After only 8 days of Aspartame –the equivalent of half the recommended allowed by the USA FDA-, participants began to exhibit more depression and irritability and performed worse on certain brain function tests. So not only may this artificial sweetener cause adverse mental effects on sensitive population but it may also harm the general public at sufficient doses. Avoiding drinks with this substance can be the cure for many hyperactive children, delinquent adolescents, cranky irritable adults, neurotic and many psychotic individuals.
And there are many processed foods sweetened with artificial sweeteners. That is why the foods that feed your brain are not found in the colorfully wrapped foods but in your garden, in your local markets or the produce stand of your supermarkets. The food your brain appreciates are the ones from your garden or farm not the one from the industries. And that industry can be your kitchen or the side road or the air-conditioned shop if you over process your food or add artificial sweeteners. The bottom line is how much processing has gone into the natural food before you eat! The healthiest food for your brain are not the one with list of ingredients, they are the ones with no paper labels.
But are there some foods with no list of ingredients that may have negative effects on the brain?
Yes, there are some classes of food that are not packaged but do affect you negatively. Studies on emotional health and mood states of those on a plant-based diet suggest that eating less or no meat isn’t just good for us physically, it’s good for us emotionally too. Subjects eating plant-based meals appeared to experience significantly fewer negative emotions than omnivores. After reviewing factors associated with less sickness as a result of plant-based meals, the researchers went further to assess a more direct relationship, and that is the pro-inflammatory compound arachidonic acid found in animal products. This compound can adversely impact mental health via a cascade of neuro (brain) inflammation. The body metabolizes arachidonic acid into an array of inflammatory chemicals. They suggested that the mental health of omnivores was being comparatively compromised by inflammation in their brains. Our body makes arachidonic acid- eg. to cause inflammation when you are injured or to fight infection. You do not need to add more to your meals. Doing so offsets the body’s internal balance. People with high level arachidonic acid in the diet are significantly at higher risk of suicide and episodes of major depression.
So what are the sources of this arachidonic acid?
The top five sources of arachidonic acid are chicken, eggs, beef, pork and fish. Though chicken and eggs alone contribute more than the other top sources combined. Just a single egg’s worth of arachidonic acid a day may significantly raise arachidonic acid levels in the blood. Over all, meat eaters have nine times more arachidonic acid when compared to plant-based diets.
The great news is the food that give good brain chemistry are the simple ones.
Vegetables consumption will cut developing depression by as much as 62%. A review in the journal of Nutritional Neuroscience concluded that, in general, eating lots of fruits and veggies may present “a non-invasive, natural, and inexpensive therapeutic means to support a healthy brain” Also such spices as cloves, oregano, cinnamon, and nutmeg lower rates of depression.
Smelling some herbs will improve brain chemistry. Saffron has psychological benefits. It’s the most expensive spice. But history dates the use of Saffron to more than 3600 years. Compared with those who smell placebo smelling Saffron for 20 minutes significantly lowered symptoms of anxiety in the women in this study. Other spices with not as profound effect but with similar benefits are peppermint, Rosemary and other oils from pungent herbs.
Please give time to the most important! Your health! For health is not the result of chance, but of obedience to the laws of health.
