Could your favourite foods be harming your brain? Watch out for these 'ultra-processed' items!
- Replies 1
As we get older, it’s only natural that our bodies start to show signs of wear and tear. And unfortunately, that includes our brains.
We all experience some cognitive decline as we age; it’s just a part of life. However, for some people, this decline can develop into dementia – a debilitating and (so far) incurable condition that can dramatically reduce the quality of life for both the sufferer and their loved ones.
There are many different causes of dementia, but one area that researchers are starting to explore more is diet. A new study has suggested that eating too many ‘ultra-processed’ foods may lead to an increased risk of developing dementia later in life. So let’s take a closer look at what these foods are, and how they might be affecting your brain.
A group of Brazilian researchers from the University of Sao Paulo claimed that a diet consisting of an excessive amount of processed foods such as frozen pizza, processed meat, sugary cereals, and chips could negatively impact one's brain capacity.
The study, which followed 10,775 participants, who were between the ages of 35 and 74, examined the participants on multiple occasions to determine how their cognitive capabilities had evolved from 2008 to 2019 while following a consistent dietary pattern.
The group of researchers discovered that individuals who consumed the most processed food, which made up as much as three-quarters of their diet, had their brain power deteriorate 28% faster than the people who consumed the least amount.
It should be noted that the study didn't identify a causal relationship between eating processed food and the brain degenerating at a faster rate – it only discovered an association.
Lead author Dr Natalia Gomes Goncalves explained that people should avoid consuming processed foods as much as possible in order to help prevent dementia.
She said: 'Neuroimaging studies have found that high consumption of a Western dietary pattern was related to a reduction in the left hippocampus and grey matter volume in cognitively healthy individuals.'
'Another possible biological mechanism for the decline in executive function and global cognition seen in our study may be related to systemic inflammation caused by the consumption of [ultra-processed foods].'
'Increased levels of circulating proinflammatory cytokines have been associated with cognitive decline.'
However, independent experts stated that the study was unable to determine whether eating more ultra-processed foods or eating less nutritious foods was to blame.
Aston University's resident dietitian Dr Duane Mellor commented: 'Although the idea of ultra-processed food is interesting, it is noticeable that those who consumed more of these foods, also consumed more calories.'
'It is a shame the researchers did not include information in the paper about intakes of added sugar, salt and fat as it is not possible if using the label ultra-processed foods is just another way of saying a less healthy dietary pattern.'
He said that while the study's claims are intriguing, it did not indicate a relationship between ultra-processed food and cognition because the effect observed was minor, and the individuals were younger.
'It is perhaps not the case that eating more ultra-processed foods is a problem — it may be more the case that they were eating less minimalist processed foods such as vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds and pulses,' Dr Mellor added.
'So, it does not really change how we should try to eat to maintain good brain function and cognition.
'We should try to eat fewer foods which are high in added sugar, salt and fat — which would include many of the foods classified as being ultra-processed — while eating more in terms of both quantity and variety of vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds and pulses which are known to be beneficial for both our cognitive and overall health.'
It is important to note that while there are currently no studies that pinpoint the exact causes of dementia, it is still best to live a healthy lifestyle by following a balanced diet and staying as active as possible.
So, there you have it, folks! What do you think? Does this study strike a chord with you? Let us know in the comments below!
We all experience some cognitive decline as we age; it’s just a part of life. However, for some people, this decline can develop into dementia – a debilitating and (so far) incurable condition that can dramatically reduce the quality of life for both the sufferer and their loved ones.
There are many different causes of dementia, but one area that researchers are starting to explore more is diet. A new study has suggested that eating too many ‘ultra-processed’ foods may lead to an increased risk of developing dementia later in life. So let’s take a closer look at what these foods are, and how they might be affecting your brain.
A group of Brazilian researchers from the University of Sao Paulo claimed that a diet consisting of an excessive amount of processed foods such as frozen pizza, processed meat, sugary cereals, and chips could negatively impact one's brain capacity.
The study, which followed 10,775 participants, who were between the ages of 35 and 74, examined the participants on multiple occasions to determine how their cognitive capabilities had evolved from 2008 to 2019 while following a consistent dietary pattern.
According to Brazilian experts, a diet high in ultra-processed foods such as cakes, cookies, and chips may lead to dementia. Credit: Pexels/Igor Ovsyannykov.
The group of researchers discovered that individuals who consumed the most processed food, which made up as much as three-quarters of their diet, had their brain power deteriorate 28% faster than the people who consumed the least amount.
It should be noted that the study didn't identify a causal relationship between eating processed food and the brain degenerating at a faster rate – it only discovered an association.
Lead author Dr Natalia Gomes Goncalves explained that people should avoid consuming processed foods as much as possible in order to help prevent dementia.
She said: 'Neuroimaging studies have found that high consumption of a Western dietary pattern was related to a reduction in the left hippocampus and grey matter volume in cognitively healthy individuals.'
'Another possible biological mechanism for the decline in executive function and global cognition seen in our study may be related to systemic inflammation caused by the consumption of [ultra-processed foods].'
'Increased levels of circulating proinflammatory cytokines have been associated with cognitive decline.'
However, independent experts stated that the study was unable to determine whether eating more ultra-processed foods or eating less nutritious foods was to blame.
Aston University's resident dietitian Dr Duane Mellor commented: 'Although the idea of ultra-processed food is interesting, it is noticeable that those who consumed more of these foods, also consumed more calories.'
'It is a shame the researchers did not include information in the paper about intakes of added sugar, salt and fat as it is not possible if using the label ultra-processed foods is just another way of saying a less healthy dietary pattern.'
He said that while the study's claims are intriguing, it did not indicate a relationship between ultra-processed food and cognition because the effect observed was minor, and the individuals were younger.
'It is perhaps not the case that eating more ultra-processed foods is a problem — it may be more the case that they were eating less minimalist processed foods such as vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds and pulses,' Dr Mellor added.
'So, it does not really change how we should try to eat to maintain good brain function and cognition.
'We should try to eat fewer foods which are high in added sugar, salt and fat — which would include many of the foods classified as being ultra-processed — while eating more in terms of both quantity and variety of vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds and pulses which are known to be beneficial for both our cognitive and overall health.'
It is important to note that while there are currently no studies that pinpoint the exact causes of dementia, it is still best to live a healthy lifestyle by following a balanced diet and staying as active as possible.
So, there you have it, folks! What do you think? Does this study strike a chord with you? Let us know in the comments below!
.png){kind=icon}
