New scientific evidence links ultra-processed foods to dementia

There food This is an element that considerably influences both the health physics as mental .

This is why many scientists have devoted themselves to the study How the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods influences the risks of suffering from certain diseases .

At the Alzheimer’s Association International Congress held between late July and early August 2024, The results of a preliminary study linking processed red meat consumption to the risk of developing dementia have been presented. .

It should be remembered that the latter term designates conditions that affect memory, thinking, and the ability to perform daily activities details an article from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The most common form of dementia is dementia Alzheimer which could represent between 60% and 70% of cases, according to figures from the aforementioned organization.

Authors of recent research They followed more than 130,000 adults in the United States for 43 years .

From this number and in this period of time, 11,173 people developed dementia .

The study concluded that Those who regularly consumed foods such as sausages, bacon, salami and bologna were more likely to develop the disease. as saved by New York Times .

More specifically, they saw that Those who ate two servings of processed red meat per week had a 14% higher risk compared to those who ate less than three servings per month.

Furthermore, they noted that Eating unprocessed red meat – such as steaks or pork chops – was not associated with an increased risk of dementia. .

However, People who did it every day tended to report feeling like their cognition had declined over time. compared to those who consumed these foods less frequently.

In the aforementioned American newspaper, which covered the congress, it was stated that The results of the study have not yet been published in an academic journal. .

However, the research team’s findings contribute to analyses of the effects of ultra-processed foods on health of people.

The classification, generally speaking, refers to products made primarily with industrial ingredients .

They are characterized because contain little or no natural foods and tend to have high levels of sugar, fat or sodium which has also been associated with adverse health effects.

Among these are: the vast majority of cold cuts, flavored yogurts, instant soups, refined sugary drinks, many cereal boxes and so-called “junk food” .

According to nutritionists The country in 2017, 80% of food products sold in supermarkets fall into this category .

Similarly, research published in The Journal of Nutrition At the beginning of 2023, he assured that They account for about 58% of calories consumed by children and adults .

Highly processed foods have also been linked to conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity, as well as certain types of cancer and gastrointestinal diseases details a meta-analysis available on The BMJ .

Regarding its effects on brain health, several studies have concluded that Regular and/or excessive consumption may contribute to cognitive decline. .

However, Although much research has found links, it has not been possible to demonstrate that they directly damage the brain. .

The lead author of the aforementioned study presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Congress, Dong Wang, explained to the Times that With the evidence available so far, it cannot be concluded that if you eat a certain amount of processed red meat, “you will definitely get dementia.” .

“That is not the case,” he stressed. also an academic at Harvard University Medical School.

However, as several works have been seen that provide a relationship, the professor of neurology at the University of Southern California, Hussein Yassine, pointed out to the aforementioned media that “We have to take it seriously” .

And while the scientific community continues to study how the effects occur specifically in the brain, experts say that It is clear that healthy eating can benefit you .

In this sense, the head of neurocritical care at Massachusetts General Hospital, W. Taylor Kimberly, told the Big Apple newspaper that “Even modest changes over time can have an impact, and that’s important because it means it’s achievable.” .

With this in mind, he suggested adopting habits to gradually reduce ultra-processed foods and replace them with healthier alternatives .

For example, added Hussein Yassine, You can start by reducing your consumption of refined sugary drinks and replacing these drinks with water or unsweetened iced tea. .

He also recommended Replace processed red meats with protein sources such as chicken, fish, lentils and nuts .

Added to this is add more fruits, vegetables and whole grains to the diet because they are elements rich in fiber.

“We have to take it step by step,” he stressed. the University of South Carolina academic told the Times.

If you have any doubts about your health or eating habits, it is always recommended Visit a specialist to assess your particular case and the best ways to approach it .