Researchers affiliated with the University of California Los Angeles have discovered diets rich in high-fructose corn syrup can delay recovery from brain injuries.

To gather evidence for their study, researchers took two groups of rats, one with a fructose diet and another without, and simulated head trauma. Researchers then had the rats traverse through a maze. Rats given the diet high in fructose took 30 percent longer to finish the maze than the other group.

The findings could have serious implications for Americans with traumatic brain injuries because we have a diet rich in fructose. Fructose can be found in cane sugar, honey, condiments and soda, all of which are popular throughout the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1.7 million Americans sustain brain injuries every year.

Foods That Are Good for People with Brain Injuries

Studies have also found foods that are good for healing brain injuries. Another University of California Los Angeles study discovered a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, curcumin and caffeine could help develop brain plasticity, cognition and the recovery of neurons after a brain injury. Plasticity is the brain’s ability to repair itself and regain lost functions.

There are other ways food can heal brain injuries. A recommendation from the Institute of Medicine to the Department of Defense suggested soldiers should be given higher levels of protein immediately after sustaining brain injuries. Proteins have been found to boost energy and reduce inflammation.

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