BITESIZE | Avoid These 3 Foods For Better Brain Health | Max Lugavere #443
Apr 11, 2024
auto_awesome
Max Lugavere, a science journalist and bestselling author, joins to discuss essential dietary changes for better brain health. He highlights the dangers of ultra-processed foods, which are linked to cognitive decline and diseases like Alzheimer’s. Max emphasizes the importance of quality oils, recommending extra virgin olive oil over refined alternatives. He also shares practical tips to enhance brain health, underscoring that small, daily dietary adjustments can significantly impact long-term cognitive well-being.
Ultra-processed foods increase the risk of dementia and early mortality, making their moderation crucial for improved brain health.
Improving food quality by choosing whole foods over ultra-processed options helps manage caloric intake and enhances overall health.
Deep dives
The Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods
Ultra-processed foods are linked to increased risks of various chronic diseases, including dementia and early mortality. These foods, which account for a significant portion of daily calorie intake, are characterized by their long shelf life, complex ingredient lists, and hyperpalatability that makes moderation difficult. As consumption of such foods rises by 10%, risks of early mortality and dementia increase by 14% and 25%, respectively. Their design encourages binge consumption, leading to unhealthy eating patterns and feelings of moral failure when individuals cannot resist their allure.
The Impact of Food Quality on Consumption
The quality of food significantly influences the quantity consumed, as individuals tend to overeat ultra-processed foods leading to excess calorie intake. Research has demonstrated that participants consuming only ultra-processed foods consumed a 500 calorie surplus compared to a 300 calorie deficit when they ate minimally processed foods. This highlights that rather than merely focusing on reducing food quantity, improving food quality is crucial for better health outcomes. By choosing whole foods over processed options, individuals can better manage their caloric intake and improve their overall health.
Minimizing Added Sugars and High-Seed Oils
Added sugars are prevalent in the Western diet, with average adult consumption around 77 grams per day. This sugar contributes empty calories and heightens the hyperpalatable nature of processed foods, leading to increased hunger and negative health effects. Additionally, grain and seed oils, which are often recommended in traditional dietary guidelines, may also have harmful effects due to their processing methods and lack of historical precedent in human diets. Replacing these oils with healthier alternatives like extra virgin olive oil can provide numerous health benefits, including better cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Today’s guest shares evidence-based principles that will help all of us protect our brain health.
Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests.
Today’s clip is from episode 330 of the podcast with science journalist and New York Times bestselling author, Max Lugavere.
Max is on a mission to help people feel better, live longer, and maximise their brain health by optimising their diet.
In this clip he shares the three food types that we should think about cutting out of our diet – and why.
DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode