A new study of more than 2,100 adults challenges the assumption that maintaining a generally healthy diet can fully protect cognitive function. Researchers discovered that high consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with poorer attention, slower mental processing, and elevated dementia risk factors—even among participants who otherwise followed nutritious eating patterns.
Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations containing ingredients rarely found in home cooking, including protein isolates, modified starches, and various additives. According to the World Health Organization, these products typically contain excessive sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats while lacking essential nutrients. The study’s findings suggest that the degree of food processing itself may pose independent risks to cognitive health, independent of overall dietary quality. This discovery has important implications for public health recommendations and individual dietary choices.
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