CRISPS and cookies age the brain and increase the risk of stroke or dementia, according to a study.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that people who eat more processed foods are at greater risk of serious health problems in midlife and old age.
They were nine percent more likely to have a stroke and 16 percent more likely to experience cognitive impairment, brain decline that can lead to dementia.
It adds evidence that sugary snacks and ready-to-eat meals are linked to worse health conditions, with links also to type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease.
Study author Dr. W. Taylor Kimberly said, “A healthy diet is important for maintaining brain health among older adults.
“We found that increased consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a greater risk of stroke and cognitive impairment.”
The study analyzed medical records and food diaries of 30,000 people over the age of 45.
Higher rates of stroke and cognitive impairment were found in people who consumed processed foods as a greater proportion of their diet.
Cognitive impairment is where memory and thinking skills begin to disappear more than expected with age and often leads to dementia.
Diet risks include soda, chips, chocolate bars, cookies, ice cream and other ready-to-eat packaged foods.
Around 100,000 Britons suffer a stroke every year and it is estimated that two in 10 over-65s have cognitive impairment.
Dr Kimberly, who published the research in the journal Neurology, added: “Our findings show that the degree of food processing plays an important role in overall brain health.
“More research is needed to confirm these results and to better understand what most contributes to these effects.”
Ultra-processed foods are high in added sugar, fat and salt and low in protein and fiber.
These are typically foods that have more than five ingredients listed and if you don’t recognize an ingredient or ingredients, the food is likely processed.
Examples include ham, sausages, hamburgers, ice cream, French fries, mass-produced bread, breakfast cereals, canned baked beans. cookies, soft drinks, fruit-flavored yogurts, instant soups and some alcoholic drinks such as rum.
Unprocessed or minimally processed foods include meats like single cuts of beef, pork, and chicken, as well as fruits and vegetables.
How ultra-processed is YOUR kitchen?
Ultra-processed foods (UPAs) were defined by Brazilian researchers who developed the NOVA classification system. It divides foods into groups depending on how they are processed. The most natural foods are in group 1, while the most processed foods are in group 4.
Groups do not fully indicate how healthy a food is. However, it does indicate how it is processed – and studies have linked UPA to a number of diseases.
How does your kitchen compare to the following groups?
Unprocessed or minimally processed foods (group 1)
- vegetables and fruits (fresh or frozen)
- dried fruits without added sugar, honey or oil
- grains and legumes (chickpeas, lentils)
- meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs
- milk without added sugar
- natural yogurt without added sugar
- nuts and seeds
- spices and herbs
- tea, coffee, water
Processed culinary ingredients (group 2)
- iodized salt
- salted butter
- sugar and sugar cane or beet molasses
- honey extracted from combs
- Maple syrup
- crushed vegetable oils from olives or seeds
- butter and lard and pork
- starches extracted from corn and other plants
- vegetable oils with added antioxidants
- vinegar with added preservatives
Processed foods (group 3)
- canned vegetables, fruits and vegetables
- fruits in syrup
- salty or sugary nuts and seeds
- salted or smoked cured meats
- canned fish
- artisanal breads and cheeses
Ultra-processed foods (group 4)
- soft drinks and fruits
- sweetened yogurt
- sweet or savory packaged snacks (e.g. cookies)
- sweets and cake mixes
- mass-produced packaged breads and rolls
- margarines and spreads
- Breakfast cereals
- cereal and energy bars
- energetic drinks
- instant soups, sauces and noodles
- poultry and fish nuggets, hot dogs
- many products ready to heat: pre-prepared pies, pasta and pizza
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
