Forgot where you left your keys? Can’t remember if you turned off the iron? Memory loss isn’t just a product of old age; it could be your diet. A team of French experts studied 3,672 males and females at age 55 and then again at age 61 to measure cholesterol levels and memory deficiency. The study found that having a low intake of “good” cholesterol doesn’t only do physical harm to your body, but it also impacts you mentally, by generating memory loss in the brain.

“Bad” cholesterol doesn’t only trigger memory loss, however—it can lead to heart disease, increase cancer risks, high blood pressure and diabetes.

One way to increase good cholesterol levels is to cut back on fatty foods that are loaded with LDL (bad cholesterol) like French fries, burgers and whole milk diary products. Try eating more fish, peanut butter, avocados, soybeans and walnuts to build up HDL (good cholesterol) levels.

Not sure what your cholesterol levels are? Speak with your doctor or health care provider about scheduling the necessary blood work.

To learn more about cholesterol and how to keep it in check, visit americanheart.org.