Crisps and biscuits, beloved for their taste, might be aging your brain and raising the risk of stroke or dementia, according to a recent study.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital have found that people who consume more processed foods face greater risks of serious health issues as they age.
Specifically, these individuals are nine percent more likely to experience a stroke and 16 percent more likely to suffer cognitive impairment, a decline in brain function that can lead to dementia.
READ MORE: ‘I got cancer from dodgy filler and had to replace my lip with my tongue’
This study contributes to an expanding body of evidence linking sugary snacks and ready meals to various health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
Dr. W. Taylor Kimberly, the study’s lead author, emphasized the importance of a healthy diet in maintaining brain health among older adults.
“We found that increased consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a higher risk of both stroke and cognitive impairment,” he stated.
The research analyzed medical records and food diaries from 30,000 individuals over the age of 45. The findings indicated that those who consumed a higher proportion of processed foods in their diet had elevated rates of stroke and cognitive impairment.
Cognitive impairment is characterized by a decline in memory and thinking skills that surpasses the typical age-related decline and often leads to dementia.
Key Findings from the Study
Category | Examples | Health Risks |
---|---|---|
Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods (Group 1) | Fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits, plain yogurt without added sugar, nuts, seeds, plain meats | – |
Processed Culinary Ingredients (Group 2) | Iodized salt, honey, vegetable oils, vinegar with added preservatives | – |
Processed Foods (Group 3) | Canned vegetables, fruits, legumes, salted or sugared nuts, artisanal breads, cheese | – |
Ultra-Processed Foods (Group 4) | Sweetened yogurt, packaged snacks (e.g., cookies), mass-produced breads, breakfast cereals, energy drinks, ready-to-heat products (e.g., pre-prepared pies, pasta) | 9% higher risk of stroke, 16% higher risk of cognitive impairment (leading to dementia) |
Study Findings
Finding | Details |
---|---|
Sample Size | 30,000 people over the age of 45 |
Increased Risk with Processed Foods | 9% more likely to have a stroke, 16% more likely to suffer cognitive impairment |
Common Ultra-Processed Foods | Fizzy drinks, crisps, chocolate bars, biscuits, ice cream, ham, sausages, burgers, mass-produced bread, breakfast cereals, canned baked beans, fruit-flavored yogurts, instant soups, some alcoholic drinks (e.g., rum) |
READ MORE: ‘I’m an allergy doctor – this is why I’d NEVER pierce my young children’s ears and ban SHOES’
Health Statistics
Health Issue | Prevalence |
---|---|
Stroke in the UK | Approximately 100,000 cases per year |
Cognitive Impairment in Over-65s | Estimated 20% |
Research Notes
Study Author | Quote |
---|---|
Dr. W. Taylor Kimberly | “A healthy diet is important in maintaining brain health among older adults. Increased consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a higher risk of both stroke and cognitive impairment.” |
Dietary risks highlighted in the study include fizzy drinks, crisps, chocolate bars, biscuits, ice cream, and other packaged ready-to-eat foods. In the UK, approximately 100,000 people experience a stroke each year, and an estimated 20 percent of individuals over 65 have cognitive impairment.
![A recent study by Massachusetts General Hospital links high consumption of ultra-processed foods, such as crisps and biscuits, to increased risks of stroke and cognitive impairment, including dementia.](https://needtoknow.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Crisps-and-Biscuits-Linked-to-Higher-Risk-of-Stroke-and-Dementia-Study-Finds-1024x683.jpg)
Dr. Kimberly, whose research was published in the journal Neurology, noted that the level of food processing plays a crucial role in overall brain health.
He called for further research to confirm these results and to better understand the factors contributing to these effects.
Ultra-processed foods are typically high in added sugar, fat, and salt, and low in protein and fiber. These foods often contain more than five ingredients, many of which may be unfamiliar, indicating a high level of processing.
Examples include ham, sausages, burgers, ice cream, crisps, mass-produced bread, breakfast cereals, canned baked beans, fizzy drinks, fruit-flavored yogurts, instant soups, and some alcoholic beverages like rum.
In contrast, unprocessed or minimally processed foods include items like simple cuts of meat, fruits, and vegetables. The NOVA classification system, developed by Brazilian researchers, categorizes foods based on their level of processing.
Group 1 includes the most natural foods, while Group 4 encompasses the most processed foods.
For instance, Group 1 (unprocessed or minimally processed foods) includes fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits, plain yogurt without added sugar, nuts, seeds, and plain meats.
Group 2 (processed culinary ingredients) features items like iodized salt, honey, vegetable oils, and vinegar with added preservatives.
Group 3 (processed foods) includes canned vegetables, fruits, legumes, salted or sugared nuts, and artisanal breads and cheese.
Group 4 (ultra-processed foods) consists of items like sweetened yogurt, packaged snacks, breakfast cereals, energy drinks, and many ready-to-heat products like pre-prepared pies and pasta dishes.
The study underscores the importance of dietary choices in long-term brain health and encourages individuals to opt for less processed foods to reduce their risk of stroke and dementia.
READ MORE: ‘I lost 40 pounds from a rare disease – my body was eating itself’