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New Research Links Ultra-Processed Food Consumption to Cognitive Decline – A recent study conducted by Brazilian researchers indicates a important correlation between a high intake of ultra-processed foods and cognitive impairment in adults.
The study, published in the journal neurology, found that individuals whose daily caloric intake consisted of a large proportion of ultra-processed foods exhibited a faster rate of cognitive decline compared to those with lower consumption.Researchers at the University of São Paulo followed over 10,000 Brazilian adults for an average of eight years, assessing their diets thru self-reported questionnaires and tracking their cognitive function using standardized tests.
Ultra-processed foods, defined as industrial formulations made entirely or mostly from substances derived from foods (oils, fats, sugars, starch, and proteins) and additives, typically include items like pre-packaged snacks, sugary drinks, processed meats (such as sausages and hot dogs), instant noodles, and ready-to-eat meals like frozen pizza. The research team categorized participants based on their consumption of these foods, dividing them into quartiles.
Results showed that individuals in the highest quartile of ultra-processed food consumption experienced a 28% faster rate of cognitive decline compared to those in the lowest quartile. This decline was observed in global cognition,as well as in specific domains like executive function (planning,decision-making) and memory.
“While we cannot establish a causal relationship, our findings suggest that reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods might potentially be an critically important strategy for preserving cognitive health as we age,” stated Dr. Claudia Moreno, lead author of the study and a professor of epidemiology at the University of São Paulo. The study controlled for factors such as age,sex,education level,socioeconomic status,and pre-existing health conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Understanding Ultra-Processed foods and Long-Term brain Health
The increasing prevalence of ultra-processed foods in modern diets is a growing public health concern. These foods are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, while being low in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Beyond cognitive decline, regular consumption of ultra-processed foods has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Experts suggest that the negative impact of ultra-processed foods on brain health might potentially be due to several factors. The high sugar and fat content can contribute to inflammation in the brain, while the lack of essential nutrients can impair neuronal function. moreover, the additives and artificial ingredients found in these foods may have neurotoxic effects.
Dietary recommendations for optimal brain health emphasize a focus on whole, unprocessed foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. The Mediterranean diet, rich in these foods, has been consistently associated with improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.
