We all know that homemade food made with natural ingredients and good quality fats, little salt, and without added sugars, is healthier than prepared dishes or ultra-processed foods, and to better support this idea, a study has been published that has found that a higher intake of junk food contributes to decreased cognitive function and a higher likelihood of cognitive decline.
The research, which has been carried out by researchers from the University of São Paulo (Brazil), has taken into account the data of 10,775 adults with an average age of 50.6 years who had their diet evaluated, if they ate food unprocessed, minimally processed, or ultra-processed, between 2008-2010; 2012-2014 and 2017-2019.
Ultra-processed foods are characterized by being highly manipulated and by including large amounts of sugar, fat and salt in their composition. Among the most consumed are soft drinks, chocolate, chips, breakfast cereals, ice cream, instant soups, chicken nuggets and hot dogs, among many others.
Ultra-processed foods could increase oxidative stress
Researchers, and health experts in general, are concerned about the considerable increase in the consumption of this type of ultra-processed food, which is partly responsible for the high rates of obesity in the world. And it is that, it is believed that this type of diet increases systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, in addition to increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, cancer and other health problems.
Eating 5 slices of bread or a third of a 240g bag of crisps each day can increase the risk of cognitive decline by up to 28%
The results of the tests, which have been published at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, indicated that “participants who reported consuming more than 20% of daily calories from ultra-processed foods had a 28% rate of global cognitive decline.” % faster, and a 25% faster decline in executive function, compared to those who reported eating less than 20% of daily calories from ultra-processed foods,” explains Natália Gonçalves, lead author of the study.
As detailed by this expert, if a person takes an average of 2,000 kcal a day, taking 20% of those calories through ultra-processed foods would be equivalent to “around two bars of wafers with chocolate (KitKat) of 42.54 g, or 5 slices of bread, or about a third of a 240g packet of crisps. Although the reason why these foods damage the brain is not yet known, the authors believe that they could be secondary effects of cerebrovascular injuries or chronic inflammatory processes.
“The good news is that there are steps we can take to reduce the risk of cognitive decline as we age. These include eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, sleeping well, keeping an active mind, protecting yourself from head injuries, not smoking, and maintaining cardiovascular health,” concludes Dr. Percy Griffin.
.
