Consuming Ultra-Processed Foods Could Increase Dementia Risk

• January 12, 2023

A new study published in JAMA Neurology found that you may have a heightened risk of dementia if 20% or more of your diet consists of ultra-processed foods. Here is what you need to know:

• Ultra-processed foods are defined as “industrial formulations of food substances (oils, fats, sugars, starch, and protein isolates) that contain little or no whole foods and typically include flavorings, colorings, emulsifiers, and other cosmetic additives,” such as hot dogs, hamburgers, sodas, cookies, cakes, and ice cream, were found to lead to a 28% faster rate of global cognitive decline and a 25% faster rate of executive function decline compared to those who ate fewer ultra-processed foods.
• The study followed over 10,000 Brazilian participants for up to 10 years, with the average age being 51.
• It is already known that ultra-processed foods increase the risk of obesity, heart and circulation problems, diabetes, cancer, and shorter life span.
• Experts recommend consuming high-quality foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and preparing meals from scratch to avoid these health risks.

To learn more about the cognitive decline associated with processed foods, read this article found on Fox News.