The relationship between eating ultra-processed foods and Alzheimer’s disease remains unclear, even though it has been shown that these foods increase the risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease.
It has long been established that nutrition, age, genetics, and environment have a significant impact on the likelihood of avoiding a diagnosis later in life.
However, in a recent study that was published in the journal JAMA Neurology, eating certain foods significantly increases the risk of developing dementia.
In the US, 6.5 million people suffer from dementia. The most prevalent form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, may affect 14 million Americans by the year 2060.
Study on Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and High-Processed Foods
Although eating highly processed foods has long been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and obesity, little was known until now about the relationship between processed foods and cognitive decline.
This study is not the first to show a connection between highly processed foods and negative health effects. High-processed foods have also been associated with poor mental health, an increased risk of cancer and heart disease, and a shorter life span, according to a previous Neurology study.
The intensity and duration of the inflammatory process in your body and brain may be reduced by eating these kinds of meals. Some are antioxidants that absorb harmful free radicals and have anti-inflammatory properties.
What Foods Are Highly Processed?
Highly processed foods are industrially created food products, such as oils, fats, sugars, starches, and protein isolates, which typically contain flavorings, colors, emulsifiers, and other cosmetic additives in addition to little to no whole foods.
Processing is any intentional alteration that takes place to a product before it is fit for consumption by people. For example, heating, pasteurizing, drying, canning, and freezing are all included. Food that has been altered from its original form would be referred to as processed food by definition.
Examples of highly processed foods include the following:
- Soft drinks
- Packaged bread and buns
- Chips
- Candy
- Store-bought ice cream
- Boxed cake mix
- Instant noodles
- Infant formula
- Breakfast cereal
- Energy bars
- Flavored yogurt
- Chicken nuggets
- Fast food burgers
- Hot dogs
One of the many deadly flaws of ultra-processed foods is the fact that they have little to no nutritional density and are high in calories, fat, sugar, and sodium. Studies have also revealed that once someone starts eating them, it may be challenging to stop. Therefore, they might also be to blame for weight gain and obesity.
As a result, eating more whole foods and less highly processed food may lower your risk of developing dementia. Other aspects of your diet may also benefit from the m change.