Ultraprocessed foods are linked to a fast rate of cognitive decline. However, the amount of food needed to cause the effect may surprise you.
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Research presented at the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference showed that people who ate 20% of their diet from breakfast cereal, frozen food and soda had a 28% faster rate of cognitive decline and a 25% faster rate of decline in executive function
- Cognitive decline may likely be related to the high level of omega-6 linoleic acid from vegetable and seed oils found in junk food; these can trigger mitochondrial dysfunction and cell apoptosis in the brain, which uses nearly 25% of the body’s energy supply
- Multiple studies show people in the U.S., Britain and Canada eat junk foods at levels ranging from 48% to 57%. Dr. Chris Van Tulleken increased his total junk food to 80% for one month and experienced multiple health effects, including gaining 15.4 pounds in four weeks
- Ultraprocessed foods are also associated with obesity, reduced gut microbiome diversity, poor immune health, stunted bone growth and an increased risk of fracture
- As you consider the looming food shortages and choices you make to stock up on shelf-stable food, also eliminate ultraprocessed foods from this list. The food choices you make have an enormous impact on your health and resilience
Research presented at the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference demonstrated that eating breakfast cereal, frozen foods and soda could lead to cognitive decline and increase your risk of Alzheimer’s disease.1Alzheimer’s Association, August 3, 2022 The researchers were encouraged that the data confirmed past information demonstrating nutrition has a significant impact on brain health.
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