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ultra processed foods

·May 12, 2025·4 min read

Eating More Ultra-Processed Food Linked to Higher Health Risks

A major new analysis of over 8 million adults reveals that each additional 100 grams per day of ultra-processed food intake significantly raises the risk of hypertension, cardiovascular events, digestive disease, cancer, and death. Ultra-processed foods—like sugary drinks, chips, and packaged snacks—are high in sugar, salt, and additives, and low in essential nutrients.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 6, 2025·6 min read

Ultra-Processed Foods Disrupt Infant Gut Health

A Brazilian study of 728 infants found that ultra-processed foods can harm gut microbiota diversity, with stronger effects in children who were not breastfed. Breastfed infants had higher levels of beneficial Bifidobacterium, while non-breastfed children consuming processed products showed elevated levels of bacteria linked to obesity and gastrointestinal issues.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 29, 2025·5 min read

Ultraprocessed Foods Linked to Rising Premature Deaths Worldwide

A new study across eight countries shows that higher consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) is significantly linked to increased premature deaths. Researchers found that each 10% rise in UPFs' share of total energy intake raises all-cause mortality risk by 3%.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 7, 2024·5 min read

Faster Biological Aging Linked to Ultra-Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods are linked to accelerated biological aging, as confirmed in a study analyzing over 22,000 people. Researchers found that these foods, high in additives and preservatives, speed up the body’s internal aging clock, independently of nutritional quality.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 22, 2024·4 min read

Ultra Processed Foods Associated with Cognitive Risks

A new study finds a link between a diet high in ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of cognitive impairment and stroke. This association was particularly pronounced among Black participants. While more research is needed, the findings highlight the potential impact of food processing on brain health.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 27, 2023·4 min read

Beyond Processed Foods: New Insights into What Drives Our Food Choices

A new study challenges prevailing assumptions about food preferences, particularly regarding ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Engaging 224 adults, the study analyzed responses to images of 52 familiar foods, assessing factors like energy density, processing level, and carbohydrate-to-fat ratio.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 30, 2023·2 min read

Uncovering the Hidden Mechanisms of Why Ultra-Processed Foods Are So Rewarding

Study aims to assess why highly-processed foods are so rewarding to the brain and why they are so over-consumed as part of the Western diet.

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·January 31, 2023·4 min read

Ultra-Processed Foods May Be Linked to Increased Risk of Cancer

High consumption of ultra-processed foods, including soda, chips, and some white bread products, was associated with an increased risk of developing and dying from certain kinds of cancer, including brain cancer.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 25, 2022·4 min read

Feeling Anxious or Blue? Ultra-Processed Foods May Be to Blame

Consuming high amounts of highly processed foods can impact mental health, increasing the risk of anxiety and depression.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 27, 2022·4 min read

Eating More Ultra-Processed Foods Associated With Increased Risk of Dementia

Consuming a diet rich in ultra-processed foods like chips, cookies, deep-fried foods, and salty snacks were associated with a higher risk of developing dementia.