Consumption of ultra-processed foods and their effect on the brain

The consumption of ultra-processed foods and their effect on the brain was the subject of study by Brazilian researchers. They conducted a study of 10,000 participants and found that limiting these foods could help promote a healthier brain as we age.

Eating ultra-processed foods has been linked to cognitive decline

This study conducted to observe the effect of consuming ultra-processed foods is not the first, researchers have concluded that ultra-processed foods seriously affect health in other researches as well. The latest study, presented at the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in San Diego, found that if more than 20 percent of people’s daily calories come from ultra-processed foods, they are more likely to suffer from cognitive decline.

Geriatrics researchers evaluated 10,000 men and women in Brazil for up to 10 years. After the study participants went through cognitive tests, the researchers concluded that both men and women who consumed the highest amounts of processed foods had a 28 percent faster rate of global cognitive decline and a 25 percent faster decline of executive function.

According to CNN, Dr. Claudia Suemoto, one of the study’s authors, noted that in Brazil, ultra-processed foods account for 25% to 30% of calories in the diet.

“We have McDonald’s, Burger King, and we eat a lot of chocolate and white bread,” said Dr. Suemoto. Calories from ultra-processed foods make up the following percentages of diets in these Western countries:

• United States: 58%
• Great Britain: 56.8%
• Canada: 48%

This may mean that people in these countries may be at greater risk of cognitive decline with age.”

What are ultra-processed foods?

Compared to processed foods (foods that have added sugar, salt, oil, or other minimal ingredients for processing, such as canned tuna or vegetables), ultra-processed foods are created from the extraction of certain substances. According to Harvard Health, these extracts come from fats, starches, added sugars and hydrogenated fats. These foods often also contain artificial colors and flavors, stabilizers or other additives to preserve them, writes The Hralthy.

Typically, ultra-processed foods are ready-packaged products off the shelf, such as cookies and salty snacks. Frozen meals, soft drinks, hot dogs and sausages also contain a long list of chemical ingredients. Fast food is considered ultra-processed due to the way it is made, with less healthy additives and ingredients.

Why ultra-processed foods affect brain health

This study is not the first to link ultra-processed foods to cognitive decline.

A study published in the Journals of Gerontology earlier this year concluded that a consumption of oils and ultra-processed foods was associated with cognitive decline in older adults with type 2 diabetes. Another study published in Nutrition found that ultra-processed foods can negatively affect the intestinal microbiota, which can encourage the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, the study notes that diets high in fat and simple carbohydrates are associated with neuroinflammation and reduced cognitive function.

Unfortunately, the brain is not the only organ in the body affected by ultra-processed foods. Studies show how high caloric intake from ultra-processed foods leads to decreased muscle strength/strength and increased risk of cardiovascular and coronary disease, cerebrovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and risk of all-cause mortality.

In conclusion, make sure that ultra-processed foods do not take up more than 20% of your daily caloric intake!