Those who feast on junk food 'more likely to suffer memory issues or a stroke'
dailyrecord.co.ukThose who constantly eat junk food like crisps and biscuits are more likely to suffer memory issues later on in life, according to new research.
The study, which was published in the journal Neurology, found eating lots of ultra-processed foods can raise the risk of a stroke compared to those who eat less processed foods.Ultra-processed foods are high in added sugar, salt and fat and have low protein and fibre content.
Examples of these foods include ham, burgers, crisps, sausages, ice cream, breakfast cereals, mass-produced bread, canned baked beans, fizzy drinks, biscuits, instant soups, fruit-flavoured yoghurts and some alcoholic drinks like rum.Lesser processed foods include more lean cuts of meat like pork, chicken and beef, including many fruits and vegetables.
American scientists said their findings don't prove eating ultra-processed foods cause memory and thinking problems or a stroke, rather the study only shows an association.Study author Professor Taylor Kimberly said: “While a healthy diet is important in maintaining brain health among older adults, the most important dietary choices for your brain remain unclear.“We found that increased consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a higher risk of both stroke and cognitive impairment, and the association between ultra-processed foods and stroke was greater among black participants.”The research team followed more than 30,000 participants age 45 or older for an average of 11 years.
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