The surprising impact of mindless eating

Grazing in front of the TV or on your screen without paying attention to what you're consuming could be impacting your memory, say neuroscientists.

- Saffron Otter reports

If you're over 40 you might have noticed your memory is more slippery. After all, it's not uncommon to start forgetting names, misplacing keys, or having trouble recalling facts in midlife.

But what if a daily habit is making these slips worse? Regularly snacking or eating meals while doing other things, such as working at your desk, watching TV or phone scrolling could be making you more forgetful.

"Most people have no idea that this behaviour affects their memory," says Dr Ramon Velazquez, neuroscience consultant for brain-boosting supplements, Mind Lab Pro.

Inattentive eating is linked with fading memory because the act of consuming without being fully aware of what you're doing instructs the brain to function in autopilot mode.

"When we eat without attention, we miss a prime opportunity to engage our brain," says Dr Velazquez. "Digestion begins in the brain, not the stomach. The sight, smell, and anticipation of food sparks essential cognitive processes to process nutrients efficiently."

This matters because, after the age of 40, the brain becomes more vulnerable to inflammation and oxidative stress - both of which can be triggered by poor eating habits.