CRISPS and biscuits age your brain and raise the risk of stroke or dementia, according to a study.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found people who eat more processed food were at higher risk of serious health issues in middle and old age.
AlamyCrisps generally count as ultra-processed foods, which researchers say are harmful (stock image)[/caption]
They were nine per cent more likely to have a stroke and 16 per cent more likely to suffer cognitive impairment, brain decline that can lead to dementia.
It adds to evidence that sugary snacks and ready meals are connected to worse health, with links also to type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease.
Study author Dr W. Taylor Kimberly said: “A healthy diet is important in maintaining brain health among older adults.
“We found that increased consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a higher risk of both stroke and cognitive impairment.”
The study analysed medical records and food diaries from 30,000 people over the age of 45.
It found higher rates of stroke and cognitive impairment in people who had processed foods as a larger proportion of their diet.
Cognitive impairment is where the memory and thinking skills begin to fade more than expected with age, and it often leads to dementia.
Diet risks include fizzy drinks, crisps, chocolate bars, biscuits, ice cream and other packaged ready-to-eat foods.
Around 100,000 Brits have a stroke each year and an estimated two out of 10 over-65s have cognitive impairment.
Dr Kimberly, who published the research in the journal Neurology, added: “Our findings show that the degree of food processing plays an important role in overall brain health.
“More research is needed to confirm these results and to better understand what contributes most to these effects.”
Ultra-processed foods are high in added sugar, fat and salt, and low in protein and fibre.
Typically, they are foods that have more than five ingredients listed and if you don’t recognise an ingredient or ingredients, it’s likely the food is processed.
Examples include ham, sausages, burgers, ice cream, crisps, mass-produced bread, breakfast cereals, canned baked beans. biscuits, fizzy drinks, fruit-flavoured yoghurts, instant soups, and some alcoholic drinks such as rum.
Unprocessed or minimally processed foods include meats such as simple cuts of beef, pork and chicken, plus fruit and vegetables.
How ultra processed is YOUR kitchen?
Ultra processed foods (UPFs) were defined by Brazilian researchers who made the NOVA classification system. It breaks foods into groups depending on how processed they are. The most natural foods are in group 1, while the most processed are in group 4.
The groups do not entirely indicate how healthy a food is. However, it does indicate how processed it is – and studies have linked UPFs to a number of diseases.
How does your kitchen compare to the following groups?
Unprocessed or minimally processed foods (group 1)
vegetables and fruits (fresh or frozen)
dried fruits with no added sugar, honey, or oil
grains and legumes (chickpeas, lentils)
meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs
milk without added sugar
plain yogurt with no added sugar
nuts and seeds
spices and herbs
tea, coffee, water
Processed culinary ingredients (group 2)
iodized salt
salted butter
sugar and molasses from cane or beet
honey extracted from combs
syrup from maple trees
vegetable oils crushed from olives or seeds
butter and lard from milk and pork
starches extracted from corn and other plants
vegetable oils with added anti-oxidants
vinegar with added preservatives
Processed foods (group 3)
canned vegetables, fruits, and legumes
fruits in syrup
salted or sugared nuts and seeds
salted cured or smoked meats
canned fish
artisanal breads and cheese
Ultra-processed foods (group 4)
pop and fruit drinks
sweetened yogurt
sweet or savoury packaged snacks (e.g., cookies)
candies and cake mixes
mass-produced packaged breads and buns
margarines and spreads
breakfast cereals
cereal and energy bars
energy drinks
instant soups, sauces, and noodles
poultry and fish nuggets, hot dogs
many ready-to-heat products: pre-prepared pies, pasta, and pizza dishes