Photo by Valeria Boltneva via Pexels People who gorge on junk food such as crisps and biscuits are more likely to suffer memory problems in later life, according to new research. Eating more ultra-processed foods also raised the risk of a stroke compared to eating fewer processed foods, according to the study published in the . Ultra-processed foods are high in added sugar, fat and salt, and low in protein and fiber.
Examples include ham, sausages, burgers, ice cream, crisps, mass-produced bread, breakfast cereals, canned baked beans. biscuits, fizzy drinks, fruit-flavored yogurts, instant soups, and some alcoholic drinks such as rum. Unprocessed or minimally processed foods include meats such as simple cuts of beef, pork, and chicken, plus fruit and vegetables.
American scientists said their findings don't prove that eating ultra-processed foods cause memory and thinking problems or a stroke, rather the study only shows an association. Study author Professor Taylor Kimberly said: “While a healthy diet is important in maintaining brain health among older adults, the most important dietary choices for your brain remain unclear. “We found that increased consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a higher risk of both stroke and cognitive impairment, and the association between ultra-processed foods and stroke was greater among black participants.
” Photo by cottonbro studio via Pexels The research team followed more than 30,000 participants age 45 or older fo.
