Individuals who consumed more than one serving of these foods per day were found to have a significantly increased risk of cognitive impairment, including types of dementia such as Alzheimer's
A new study from the US has revealed that the most harmful types of junk food for brain health are ultra-processed meats and sugary drinks
According to a study conducted by scientists at Virginia Tech University, individuals who consumed an extra serving of these foods per day were found to have a significantly increased risk of cognitive impairment, including types of dementia such as Alzheimer's.
Using data from the University of Michigan's Health and Retirement Study, researchers followed 4,750 U.S. participants aged 55 and older for up to seven years. They had their cognitive status assessed every two years between 2014 and 2020.
Meat products and sugary drinks
The results showed that those who consumed one extra serving per day of ultra-processed animal products (e.g., sausage, salami, ready-made meat pizzas) had a 17 percent increased risk of cognitive impairment.
While the risk was slightly lower for sugary drinks (sodas, sweetened iced teas, fruit-flavored drinks), the risk increased by 6 percent for those who drank one more serving per day.
The study also found an interesting finding: Total ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption was not significantly associated with cognitive impairment overall. However, products in the meat and beverage categories, in particular, had the most negative impact on brain health. No similar association was found for desserts, snacks, cereals, or dairy-based processed foods.
Change is possible'
Study co-author Brenda Davy, a professor of nutrition at Virginia Tech, emphasized the importance of a balanced diet, saying:
"There are things that can be changed. The key is to be moderate and make sensible, balanced dietary choices."
According to the study, ultra-processed products accounted for 65% of food and 38% of beverage purchases by US households in 2020. Moreover, both young and older adults derive more than half of their daily calories from these products.
Ben Katz, a human development expert from Virginia Tech, emphasized that cooking skills can be a critical intervention tool for health:
“Following a diet is one thing, but providing people with the skills to create that diet is quite another.”
According to experts, cutting back on ultra-processed meats and sugary drinks are among the simplest yet most effective steps you can take to protect your brain health.
The results of the study were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.