When trying to lose weight we have all heard how bad processed foods are. Not only are those foods bad for your physical health, but a new study suggests ultra-processed foods may damage your brain health as well.
According to a new study, eating ultra-processed foods for more than 20 percent of your daily caloric intake could lead to cognitive decline.
Ultra-processed foods are bad for you health
Even though consuming processed foods may seem convenient, studies have shown they increase the risk of diabetes, obesity and cancer. These foods have a huge impact on our diet.
This new study revealed that consuming more ultra-processed foods may add to overall cognitive decline. This includes parts of the brain involved in executive functioning.
Those who ate the most super processed foods had a 28 percent faster rate of global cognitive decline. The men and women had a 25 percent faster rate of executive function decline compared to the others.
“While in need of further study and replication, the new results are quite compelling. They emphasize the critical role for proper nutrition in preserving and promoting brain health and reducing risk for brain diseases as we get older,” said Rudy Tanzi, professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and director of the genetics and aging research unit at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Processed foods are quick but not healthy
I know whenever I work out or go to the gym, sometimes I do not feel like preparing meals. So I do like many, stop by a restaurant or come home a microwave something real fast.
The study, presented Monday at the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in San Diego, tracked over 10,000 Brazilians for up to 10 years. More than half of the study participants were women, White or college educated, while the median age was 51.
The researchers did cognitive testing before and after the study. They also checked the diets of the participants.
“Fifty-eight percent of the calories consumed by United States citizens, 56.8% of the calories consumed by British citizens, and 48% of the calories consumed by Canadians come from ultra-processed foods, said coauthor Dr. Claudia Suemoto, an assistant professor in the division of geriatrics at the University of São Paulo Medical School.
Processed foods offer no nutritional value
Ultraprocessed foods are defined as “industrial formulations of food substances (oils, fats, sugars, starch, and protein isolates). They have little or no whole foods and usually include flavorings, colorings, emulsifiers, and other cosmetic additives.
To say the least, these super processed foods offer no value and should be avoided as much as possible. Sometime I am in a hurry but I will work on preparing my meals at home to protect my physical and cognitive health.
Source: LaMotte, Sandee CNN “Cognitive decline linked to ultraprocessed food, study finds” August 1st 2022 www.cnn.com
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