The study found that processed foods may accelerate cognitive decline

Research shows that processed foods alter cognitive performance (Credit: Tomaz Silva/Agência Brasil)

One The study was conducted on more than 10,000 Brazilians Showed that consumption of ultra-processed foods increases the rate of cognitive decline. The survey revealed that people aged 51 or older had changes in cognitive functioning over time, assessed by tests of immediate and delayed word recall, word recognition, vocal and verbal fluency.

according to USP JournalEvaluation of the participants’ diet was performed using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), which uses a list of foods categorized according to the extent of industrial processing and the frequency with which they were eaten.

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According to the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO), through Pan American Health Organization nutrient profile templateProcessed foods are industrially produced food products using salt, sugar, or other ingredients to preserve them or make them more palatable.

Ultra-processed foods are artificial foods that contain substances derived from foods — such as casein, whey protein isolates — or substances made from food ingredients — such as hydrogenated oils, modified starches, and flavorings.

“A higher proportion of daily energy intake from ultra-processed foods was associated with cognitive decline in adults from an ethnically diverse sample. These findings support current public health recommendations to limit consumption of ultra-processed foods due to their potential harm to cognitive function.”