New study raises the alarm about ultra-processed foods: even a small increase in daily consumption is associated with impaired concentration and cognitive functions, while even a generally healthy diet may not completely neutralize the effect

According to the study, conducted by researchers at Monash University in Australia and published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring, a 10 percent increase in daily consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to impaired attention and a higher risk of dementia, among more than 30 other adverse health consequences.

Based on the average food consumption of the population in Australia, where the study took place, the researchers analyzed the impact that an amount of about 150 grams of ultra-processed foods per day could have.

“To put our results in a more understandable context, an increase of 10 per “percent of the consumption of ultra-processed foods is roughly equivalent to adding a standard packet of potato chips to the daily diet,” explains Dr. Barbara Cardoso, the main author of the study.

Healthy food does not necessarily neutralize the damage

Ultra-processed foods differ from ordinary foods both in terms of composition and production method.

This category includes products such as packaged chips, instant pasta, energy drinks and ready-frozen foods. In the study, they are described as “industrial formulations composed of refined ingredients and additives, with a minimal content of whole foods”.

These products usually contain preservatives, sweeteners, fats, emulsifiers and artificial colors.

The study also showed that the negative effects associated with a relatively small increase in daily consumption of ultra-processed foods are not necessarily neutralized by the rest of a diet. healthy.

Participants in the study also followed the principles of the Mediterranean diet, which relies mainly on healthy foods and is considered a good indicator of nutrition quality, consistently linked to better brain health and cognitive functions.

Ultra-processed foods are taking more and more place in the daily diet. According to the data cited in the study, in the United States and the United Kingdom these products account for about half of the total calories consumed by the population.

Source: prizrenpost