I probably could put this in the ‘Tip Column’ but decided it was worth a short Blog. I read all the time to keep up with the latest information on what is happening in the world in regards to our health. I came across an article in the Life Extension magazine that caught my attention and thought it would be good to share. It was about JUNK FOOD. It talked about an article in a BMC Medicine report stating “that older individuals who eat an unhealthy Western diet have smaller brains, which researchers say is further proof that junk food has a terrible impact on health.”
Anything that has to 
do with the ‘brain’ interests me, since I had a brain tumor in 1999. Luckily (or should I say ‘I was blessed’), it was successfully removed and was benign. Continuing on, a study conducted by researchers at Deakin University and the Australian University suggested that “older adults who consume more junk foods, such as sweet drinks, salty snacks, and processed meats have smaller left hippocampi” (a curved elongated ridge that extends over the floor of each ventricle of the brain [Websters Dictionary]). It also shows that “older adults who eat healthier foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and fish, have larger left hippocampi.” Other factors that affected this were gender, levels of physical activity, smoking, education, and depression.
These findings that “consuming junk foods accelerates brain atrophy have substantial relevance for both dementia prevention and mental health.” Also included could be, “cognitive decline, and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety in older people” (Felice Jacka).
We should not discount how the effect of eating junk foods also impacts other age groups. “The hippocampus is critical to learning memory throughout life, as well as being a key part of the brain involved in mental health.” This study underscores how important GOOD NUTRITION is for children, adolescents and adults of all ages.
Wow! This is pretty heavy information and hopefully it will impact your way of thinking in regards to the eating of JUNK FOODS. Of course the breakdown of the body organs because of eating junk foods does not just happen overnight. It takes years and, as with many health issues does not show up until the senior years. Good reason to start healthy eating habits when you are very, very, young.
May your blessings be many, until next time…..
FYI-HEALTH TALK 