Eating More Ultra-Processed Food Linked to Silent Brain Damage
Summary
A study found that eating a lot of ultra-processed foods is linked to signs of brain damage in adults, which could raise the risk of stroke. Ultra-processed foods include items like sodas, packaged snacks, frozen meals, and lunch meats.Key Facts
- The study looked at brain scans of 9,000 Canadians aged 35 to 69 with no heart disease history.
- On average, ultra-processed foods made up 25% of participants’ daily diets; the highest consumers ate 45%.
- People who ate the most ultra-processed foods were 40% more likely to have small brain damage visible on MRI scans.
- This brain damage is a warning sign and may increase risk of future stroke and thinking problems.
- Higher intake of ultra-processed foods was linked to more body fat, especially deep belly fat, which can harm blood vessels.
- Women who ate the most ultra-processed foods were twice as likely to show signs of brain damage compared to women who ate the least.
- Those eating more ultra-processed foods tended to eat fewer healthy whole foods like fruits and vegetables.
- Researchers do not yet know exactly why ultra-processed foods are linked to brain damage but suggest it may relate to weight gain, blood pressure, diabetes, or effects of food ingredients.
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