Ultra-processed foods (UPF) are often associated with unhealthy diets and have been linked to various health risks. A new study published in the Medical Journal of the American Academy of Neurology suggests that consuming a diet high in UPFs, such as chips, mass-produced bread, potato crisps, sugary breakfast cereals, cookies, and soft drinks, may increase the risk of memory and thinking problems as well as stroke.
The study, which involved 30,239 people aged 45 or older, found that participants who consumed a higher percentage of UPFs in their diet were more likely to experience cognitive decline and stroke. Though the study does not establish a causal relationship between UPFs and these health issues, it does indicate a potential link.
The researchers emphasize the importance of a healthy diet for maintaining brain health in older adults. They note that consuming more unprocessed or minimally processed foods was associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment, while a higher intake of UPFs was associated with increased risk.
Further research is needed to confirm these results and determine which specific components of processed foods may be responsible for these effects. It’s important to note that the study only included participants who identified as black or white, so the findings may not be generalizable to the entire population.
read more:
Source: www.sciencefocus.com
