Ultra-processed food intake linked to possible signs of silent strokes
A study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that high consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to early signs of brain damage in healthy middle-aged adults. Researchers found that these dietary habits correlate with increased risks of future stroke and memory impairment.
Why it matters
The findings highlight the potential long-term neurological risks of modern dietary patterns, emphasizing the importance of nutrition in preventative healthcare.
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add to Preferred Sources Researchers Sonia Anand and Russell de Souza. Credit: Hamilton Health Sciences Healthy adults who eat high amounts of ultra-processed food, like packaged snack foods, sugary breakfast cereals, soft drinks, instant noodles and ready-to-eat frozen meals, are more likely to have signs of damage to the brain that may increase the chances of clinical stroke and future memory problems.
Researchers used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to scan the brains of nearly 9,000 people and detected tiny areas of damage more frequently in participants who ate the most ultra-processed food compared with those who ate the least.
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