Cheetos, Doritos, and Takis: Controlling Your Mind?

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The Dark Side of Cheetos Crunchy and Cheetos Puffs

Cheetos, both Crunchy and Puffs varieties, are beloved by many for their addictive taste and satisfying crunch. However, these snacks contain ingredients that can seriously affect your brain and overall health.

Cheetos contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives that can impact brain function. These chemicals can alter neurotransmitter activity, leading to potential mood swings and cognitive impairments. Furthermore, high levels of sodium and unhealthy fats can contribute to obesity by tricking the brain into consuming more than necessary. This creates a cycle where the chemicals in Cheetos take over the brain, suppressing individual thought processes and making it difficult to stop eating.

The Deceptive Allure of Doritos

Doritos are another popular snack with various flavors, each more enticing than the last. The problem lies in the over 20 ingredients and many harmful additives. Doritos have artificial flavors, colors, and monosodium glutamate (MSG). MSG is known to excite neurons to the point of damage, and it can create an addictive response, making it hard for individuals to stop eating.

The combination of high-calorie content and addictive additives leads to overeating, contributing to obesity. The brain’s reward system is hijacked, making it difficult for people to resist these snacks, ultimately leading to weight gain and related health issues.

The Hidden Dangers of Takis

Takis are particularly popular among children but contain several ingredients that can adversely affect the brain and behavior. Takis contain sugar, which explains why children are so drawn to them. However, they also contain TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone), a preservative that the Feingold Diet— followed by many people with ADHD— encourages avoiding. TBHQ can alter behaviors and negatively impact cognitive function.

Additionally, Takis contain hydrolyzed soy protein, which includes MSG. MSG can cause neurological damage and create an addictive eating response. This means that consumers are more likely to overeat, leading to obesity and other health problems.

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The Trend of Incorporating Snack Foods into Traditional Dishes

Chefs and home cooks increasingly incorporate snack foods like Cheetos, Doritos, and Takis into traditional dishes. From chicken casseroles to Dorito fettuccine, crusted fish, mac and cheese, sushi, rice crispy treats, and even pizza, these brain and behavior-altering ingredients are finding their way into various meals.

This trend is troubling because it normalizes the consumption of these unhealthy snacks and their harmful ingredients (excessive sugars, preservatives, and overly processed ingredients). The digestive system is also negatively impacted, leading to a rise in obesity, diabetes, and other diseases.

Conclusion: Think Before You Snack

In conclusion, thinking before consuming popular snack foods like Cheetos, Doritos, and Takis is crucial. These products contain harmful ingredients that can negatively impact the brain, increase obesity by tricking the brain into consuming more, and contribute to a range of health issues. Individuals can protect their health and well-being by being aware of the dangers and making more informed choices. Remember, the short-term pleasure of these snacks is not worth the long-term consequences on your brain and body.

References

  • Blaylock, R. L. (1997). Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills. Health Press.
  • Holford, P. (2004). Optimum Nutrition for the Mind. Piatkus.
  • Egger, J., Stolla, A., & McEwen, L. M. (1992). Controlled trial of hyposensitisation in children with food-induced hyperkinetic syndrome. The Lancet, 339(8788), 1150-1153.
  • Moncrieff, J., & Kelly, J. (2002). Methylphenidate: British parents’ experiences of treatment for ADHD. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 38(1), 61-70.

Author

  • A black and white photo of a woman smiling.

    Charmène Vega, widely known as Mama Vega, is a powerhouse of creativity and expertise, seamlessly blending her rich background in education, nutrition, and public relations into a dynamic career as an author and advocate for optimal health. Before founding Mama Vega Enterprises, Charmène honed her skills as a High School English teacher, where her passion for language and storytelling took root. This foundation has propelled her into a literary journey that captivates and empowers readers. Charmène's writing credentials are impressive, with her contributions featured in The Loop Newspaper in Tehachapi and the prestigious Rogee of Beverly Hills magazine. She has co-authored two internationally recognized books, "Overcomer Redeemed Masterpiece" and "Mental Wealth Tool-Kit: Tools to Achieve Mental Wellness." Her influence doesn't stop there; she has penned six insightful books available on Amazon, including "I Don't Want the Neighbors to Know" and the "Now Chew On This" series, which covers topics from boosting immunity to optimizing hormones for better health. As a board member of the Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary and the Blue Zone Project’s resident nutrition educator, Charmène's impact goes far beyond the written word. Her dedication to teaching, whether through her books or her engaging classes on nutrition, reflects her commitment to transforming lives. Her unique ability to weave together the science of nutrition with the art of storytelling makes her a compelling voice in the world of health and wellness. Charmène Vega is not just an author; she is a beacon of knowledge and empowerment, guiding others toward a healthier, more vibrant life through her words and actions. #mamavega #charmenevega #optimalhealth360 #theloopnewspaper #nowchewonthis #bakersfieldbreakfastrotary #bluezonesprojectbakersfield #bakersfieldca #cityofbakersfield #womenempowerment #mentalhealth #specialeducation #autism

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