Many people consume foods with a long shelf life and numerous additives on a daily basis.
These include cold cuts, breakfast cereals, chips, biscuits, and ready meals.
A new U.S. study published in the American Journal of Public Health examined how this type of food may be associated with the development of dementia.
What is ultra-processed food?
According to the British Heart Foundation, as cited by The Sun, ultra-processed foods are products that often contain ingredients not typically used in a standard home kitchen.
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These may include preservatives, flavour enhancers, sweeteners, and artificial colourings.
The category includes products such as ham, sausages, soft drinks, breakfast cereals, instant meals, and a variety of snack foods.
Researchers followed participants
The study followed more than 5,300 American adults over a ten-year period.
The researchers emphasised that the study cannot prove that these foods directly cause dementia.
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However, the findings are consistent with previous research suggesting that ultra-processed foods may affect brain function.
According to the University of Liverpool, as cited by The Sun, this type of diet may also increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, all of which are known risk factors for dementia.
58 percent higher risk
The study’s most significant finding was that individuals with a high daily intake of ultra-processed foods had a 58 percent higher risk of developing dementia.
Researchers also found a 46 percent higher risk of mild cognitive impairment.
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Processed meats such as bacon, sausages, and ham were associated with the greatest risk.
At the same time, people who consumed the highest amounts of minimally processed foods, including fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, had a 41 percent lower risk of dementia.
Sources: The Sun, American Journal of Public Health, and British Heart Foundation.
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