It’s no secret that ultra-processed foods can have negative effects on your body. However, their effects on the mind are less widely known. A study from the University of São Paulo in Brazil found that a higher intake of ultra-processed foods was associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline.
Made mostly from substances extracted from other foods, ultra-processed foods are far from the farm. They typically contain five or more industrial ingredients and are high in sugar, fat, and calories. They contain additives such as artificial colors, flavors, and stabilizers. They line multiple aisles of food stores and include soft drinks, chips, candy, bread, hot dogs, sauces, and ice cream. They are provided by a whole industry of fast-food restaurants.
