Whether it's in the form of cereal (like childhood favorite Cap'n Crunch), snacks (like Cheetos), entrees (like hot dogs), or desserts (like Twinkies), Americans are obsessed with ultra-processed foods. Yes, eating a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains, and healthy oils improves heart and brain health. But is eating ultra-processed foods harmful to brain health?
What the findings of this new study mean
According to a recent studyThere is a clear correlation between the consumption of highly processed foods and an increased risk of stroke and cognitive decline.
He GREETINGS (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke), a longitudinal study of non-Hispanic black and white Americans aged 45 years and older, provided data for this well-designed observational study. Initial enrollment for the study occurred between 2003 and 2007. Upon receiving a series of questionnaires, participants were asked to rate their health, nutrition, exercise, body mass index, education, income, alcohol consumption, mood and other parameters. In addition, memory and language tests were performed periodically.
Based on the quality of the information from the questionnaires and tests, it was considered that data from 20,243 and 14,175 participants, respectively, were used to analyze the risk of stroke and cognitive impairment. Of the sample, approximately one-third identified as Black and the other two-thirds identified primarily as White.
The findings of the study.
The authors' data showed that an increase of just 10% in the consumption of ultra-processed foods was linked to a significantly increased risk of stroke and cognitive decline.
Compared to study participants who followed similar healthy diets but consumed more ultra-processed foods, people who reported eating a healthy diet (such as Mediterranean, DASHeither MIND diet) and consuming fewer ultra-processed foods showed superior brain function.
Why Eating Too Many Processed Foods Could Be Bad for Your Brain?
Generally speaking, UPFs are made up of processed carbohydrates that are quickly digested into simple sugars, the same as consuming a lot of sweets. Insulin spikes due to these sugar overloads can change the normal functioning of brain cells.
Consumption of highly processed foods is linked to an increased risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome, two well-known diseases that are linked to high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipid levels, and type 2 diabetes.
Increased cortisol levels mimicking chronic stress, which can directly affect hippocampal and frontal lobe function, affecting memory and executive function performance; leaky gut, which allows toxins and inflammatory molecules to enter the bloodstream and reach the brain; altered function of neurotransmitters (such as serotonin), which can affect mood and cognition;
A higher chance of developing Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurodegenerative diseases as a result of inflammatory chemicals entering the brain from the gut.
The key takeaway
Stay away from processed foods, which can include frozen dinners and ready-to-eat meals; processed meats such as hot dogs and bologna; packaged sweets and confections; quick noodles and soups; industrial breads and pastries; and packaged sweets and treats. Eat minimal or no processed foods, such as fish, olive oilavocados, whole fruits and vegetables, nuts, legumes and whole grains, along with anutritious mediterranean diet.
Recent Comments