Are Your Favourite Foods Making Your Brain Sad? Science Says Yes! 10 Tasty Treats You Must Drop Right Now

We all know the irresistible pull of ice cream, chocolate-drenched brownies, and all those drool-worthy treats. We're talking about the stuff dreams are made of - juicy burgers, sugary doughnuts, and those ready-to-cook frozen pizzas that just hit differently on a lazy night. Let's admit it, these indulgences might not be the healthiest, but they sure do light up your taste buds like nothing else. And guess what? You're not alone in this guilty pleasure - food enthusiasts worldwide are nodding in agreement!

But wait, before you dive headfirst into that scrumptious delight, let's hit pause for a second. Sure, the moment you lay eyes on that heavenly snack, it's like pure bliss encapsulates you from head to toe. Every bite feels like a tiny slice of happiness. But here's the kicker - what happens after the last crumb disappears? Brace yourself, because when it comes to brain health, the aftermath might not be as sweet as the treat itself.
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What You Eat Can Impact How You Feel

A new study with 30 volunteers has found that eating a poor-quality diet might lead to brain changes that are associated with depression and anxiety. On the other hand, a Mediterranean-style diet is considered healthy for your overall health. 

Here are 10 Mediterranean diet foods you should be eating for a healthy and happy brain:

1. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
2. Whole Grains
3. Starchy Vegetables
4. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
5. Legumes
6. Fish
7. Nuts
8. Poultry
9. Dairy (fat-free or low-fat)
10. Eggs

The food we eat can impact not just our physical and brain health. The impact on our brain health may not be as exciting as we temporarily feel at the sight of our favourite processed foods.

This research was carried out by the University of Reading, Roehampton University, FrieslandCampina (Netherlands), and Kings College London, and is published in Nutritional Neuroscience.

_{Mental health: The food we eat can impact not just our physical and brain health. Photo Credit: iStock}

Brain Scans Show How Unhealthy Diet Can Mess With Our Mental Health

Brain scans show changes in neurotransmitters and grey matter volume in the frontal area of the brain, in people who have a poor diet, versus those who adhere to a healthy Mediterranean-style diet. The researchers explain that these changes in the brain are associated with rumination, the process of continuously thinking about the same thoughts or worries. Rumination is a part of the diagnostic criteria for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
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10 Foods That Make Your Tongue Happy But Brain Sad

According to WebMD, the following are 10 potentially problematic items that should make fewer appearances on your plate:

1. Packaged Snack Foods
2. Alcohol
3. Soda and Other Sugary Drinks
4. Diet Sodas and Drinks With Artificial Sweeteners
5. French Fries and Other Fried Foods
6. Doughnuts
7. White Bread and White Rice
8. Red Meat
9. Butter and Full-Fat Cheese
10. Bottled Dressings, Marinades, and Syrups

Ways To Commit To Healthy Eating And Break Up With Junk Food

If only healthy foods were tasty and fun, we all might be sticking to eating food that is good for our physical and mental health. Well, with a few tips and techniques, you can enjoy eating nutritious and nourishing food and switching to a healthier diet in general. Want to know how? Here are some expert-approved techniques:

1. Make Acai And Salad Bowls:

Acai and salad bowls are a fun way to include lots of tasty and nutritious foods into your diet. You can eat these any time of the day -- breakfast, lunch, snack time or dinner.

2. Garnish And Plate:

The way you plate your food can make a lot of difference in how you perceive it. Choose pretty dinnerware and plate the food as if eating it in a restaurant.

3. Share Pictures On Social Media:

Use social media to your advantage and post about your healthy lifestyle to boost your motivation.

4.  Explore Healthier Options At Restaurants:

If you plan to eat out, you can switch to a healthier diet by ordering healthier and not calorie-dense foods. That way, you can continue to enjoy delicious food at a restaurant that is healthy as well. 

For more details on how these tips work, click here. Note that these tips are not a part of the above-mentioned study.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.