May 26th 2024.
According to a recent study, it appears that indulging in ultra-processed foods can have serious consequences for our health. Not only does it increase the likelihood of experiencing a stroke, but it can also lead to cognitive decline. This means that foods like chips, soda, hot dogs, and other processed snacks are not only unhealthy, but they could potentially be deadly.
The study followed a group of over 30,000 participants, all over the age of 45, for an average of 11 years. This new research adds to previous studies that have linked ultra-processed foods to serious health conditions such as diabetes, depression, and even death. The results showed that the risk of stroke and cognitive impairment was significantly higher in those who consumed a lot of ultra-processed foods, as reported by Forbes.
It's important to understand the difference between processed foods and ultra-processed foods. While processed foods have undergone some changes from their natural state, such as the addition of salt, sugar, or oil, ultra-processed foods are made from extracted substances like fats, added sugars, and starches. This includes things like candy, store-bought ice cream, cereal, fries, and canned soup - all common snacks in our daily lives.
It's worth noting that not all processed foods are harmful. In fact, some processed foods, like packaged bread, cheese, canned beans, tofu, and canned tuna, can be a part of a healthy diet. On the other hand, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, milk, meat, nuts, whole grains, and eggs are considered whole foods that contain minimal added ingredients.
The study focused on two groups of participants - one group of 14,175 for cognitive decline and another group of 20,243 for stroke. None of the participants had a history of either condition. By the end of the study, 768 people were diagnosed with cognitive impairment and 1,108 had experienced a stroke.
The results showed that those who consumed 10% more ultra-processed foods had a 16% higher risk of developing cognitive impairment. On the other hand, those who ate more unprocessed and whole foods saw a 12% reduction in risk. These findings were published in the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, called Neurology.
Interestingly, the study also found that Black participants who consumed high amounts of ultra-processed foods were at the greatest risk, with a 15% increase in the likelihood of experiencing a stroke. This highlights the importance of addressing food inequalities and access to healthier options for all communities.
Unfortunately, ultra-processed foods currently account for 58% of all calories consumed by Americans, making them the main source of food for many. These foods also contribute to a staggering 90% of the added sugars in the American diet. This means that it's more important than ever to be mindful of our food choices and to prioritize whole, unprocessed options for our overall health and well-being.
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