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A recent study suggests that incorporating even a small amount of ultraprocessed foods into an otherwise healthy diet can increase the risk of cognitive decline and stroke.
A recent study discovered that consuming more ultraprocessed foods is associated with an elevated risk of cognitive decline and stroke, even for individuals following Mediterranean, DASH, or MIND diets. These diets em...
Updated: 24 months ago1 min read
A recent study discovered that consuming more ultraprocessed foods is associated with an elevated risk of cognitive decline and stroke, even for individuals following Mediterranean, DASH, or MIND diets. These diets emphasize plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes while minimizing sugar, red meat, and ultraprocessed items.
Cardiologist Dr. Andrew Freeman, who directs cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver, highlighted that a mere 10% increase in ultraprocessed food intake correlated with a 16% rise in cognitive impairment risk, underscoring the study's findings. However, he cautioned against inferring causation from this association alone.
Conversely, the study revealed that consuming more unprocessed or minimally processed foods was linked to a 12% lower risk of cognitive impairment. Unprocessed foods encompass fresh produce, eggs, and dairy, while minimally processed foods include culinary staples like salt, herbs, oils, and lightly processed items such as canned goods and frozen vegetables.
Ultraprocessed foods, such as prepackaged meals, sugary snacks, and convenience items like hot dogs and sodas, tend to be high in calories, added sugars, and sodium while lacking in fiber. This nutritional profile contributes to various health concerns, including cardiometabolic issues, weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension, as noted by experts.
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