08.12.2025 00:20
To maintain brain health, solving puzzles is not enough; according to neurologists, the real danger is on our table. Experts have identified six foods that are both widely consumed and mistakenly considered harmless, which silently weaken brain functions. Among the listed foods, there is one that no one would say no to.
It has been revealed that some foods commonly consumed in daily life affect brain health much more than we think. The six popular foods that even neurologists advise to avoid have caused astonishment.
The comments from experts came from neurologists speaking to HuffPost.
HERE ARE THOSE FOODS
Protein powder
Neuroscientist Friederike Fabritius states that many protein powders are filled with artificial sweeteners, which disrupt the gut microbiota.
"Most of our neurotransmitters are produced in the gut. Therefore, when the gut structure is disrupted, brain health is also affected," she says.
Soda
Neurologist Dr. Shaheen Lakhan describes sodas as "one of the most harmful food groups for the brain."
Due to their high sugar content, the vessels that nourish the brain can be damaged; in the long term, this increases the risk of dementia and stroke.
Diet versions are not any more innocent: "Calorie-free sweeteners stress the brain."
Margarine
Dr. Shae Datta from NYU Langone says she completely avoids margarines that contain trans fats.
Trans fats damage both cardiovascular and brain vessels. Research published in the journal Neurology shows that individuals with high levels of trans fats in their blood have an increased risk of dementia.
Beer
Neurologist Dr. Byran Ho from Tufts Medical Center describes beer as "completely empty calories."
Alcohol, being a neurotoxin, can damage brain cells even with moderate consumption.
Decaffeinated coffee
Decaffeinated coffee itself is not harmful; however, how the caffeine is removed is important.
Neuroscientist Sean Callan warns against coffees that are decaffeinated with solvents. Some of these solvents can increase the risk of cancer or neurological damage.
Callan suggests that consumers check brands through checkyourdecaf.org.
French fries
French fries, which no one can easily say "no" to, are also on the list.
Neurologist Dr. Pedram Navab states that he has completely eliminated French fries from his life.
Fried foods negatively affect brain vessels, damage the blood-brain barrier, and can cause long-term damage to the hippocampus, which is critical for memory.