It Neurology medical journal warns of growing evidence linking consumption ultra-processed food (UPF) with adverse health outcomes such as depression, cardiovascular disease, and death.

In a study recently published in that publication, it was revealed that those who eat high amounts of ultra-processed foods may have a faster rate of cognitive decline and, therefore, have a higher risk of developing dementia.

The study included 72,083 British participants aged 55 years and over who did not have dementia at baseline.}

ALSO READ: Why Processed Foods Are Risky to Health?

Information retrieved from a large database UK Biobank.

The follow-up carried out on participants lasts an average of 10 years, and ends in March 2021.

During the study period, the amount of ultra-processed food consumed in their daily diet was evaluated, as well as the appearance of dementia.

After the evaluation was concluded, a total of 518 people were diagnosed with this disorder.

An article published in Neurology reports that in order to determine whether there is a relationship between these factors, they applied various statistical analyses.

Why do processed foods affect cognitive development?

Among the conclusions of the study carried out by British researchers, it was determined that for a group of individuals with low UPF intake (which is equivalent to 9 percent of the daily diet), 105 people out of a total of 18,021 developed dementia. .

While in the case of people with higher UPF intake, corresponding to 28 percent of daily intake150 people out of the same 18 thousand 21, were diagnosed with this disorder.

And after statistical analysis of the study results was carried out and all factors were taken into account, including UPF consumption, it was concluded that:

For every 10 percent increase in daily UPF food and drink intake, the risk of dementia increased by 25 percent.

What are ultra-processed foods?

It ultra-processed food (UPF) are all unnatural products.

In addition, its production is based on the formulation of various substances extracted or derived from food, which in addition to their high salt, sugar, fat and sodium content, include ingredients that are not naturally used, in particular:

• taster
• dye
• sweetener
• Emulsifiers and other additives
• Ultra-processed foods are generally low in protein and fiber.
• Examples of ultra-processed foods include:
• Soft drink, juice, flavored milk
• Cake
• Bread, especially the white one
• Pizza
• commercial potato chips
• Ice cream
• Sausage
• Sausage
• Cereal taste and sweet
• Mayonnaise, jam, margarine
• Cake
• bandage
• Salty or sweet snack
• chocolate and candy
• “energetic” bars

How to avoid the harmful effects of ultra-processed food

Among the study conclusionsAssociation of ultra-processed food consumption with dementia risk”, published in Neurology, showed that if a person replaced 10 percent of UPF food consumption in the diet with equivalent proportions of unprocessed or minimally processed foods, the risk of developing dementia would be reduced by 19 percent. .

It’s no secret that ultra-processed foods have harmful effects on health.

In addition, due to its composition, UPF foods and beverages are obesogenic, which means they are preferred obesity developmentThis, in turn, contributes to an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes and several other chronic diseases, such as hypertension and cancer, and other studies have shown adverse outcomes for mental health, including depression.

In this way, limiting the consumption of these foods is a great strategy to prevent the development of various diseases.