It's a well-known fact that junk food is harmful to our health. However, a recent study has unveiled that the damage is not limited to our bodies alone. Scientists from Virginia Tech University have conducted an extensive research to determine which junk foods have the most significant impact on brain functions. Some of the foods we frequently consume in our daily lives made their way onto the list.
Here are those popular junk foods that put a strain on our brains...
The connection between participants' dietary habits and their brain health was scrutinized, with a particular focus on 'ultra-processed' foods, meaning those that have been highly processed industrially.
According to the findings, individuals who consume an extra portion of heavily processed meat daily face a 17% increase in the risk of cognitive decline. In other words, excessive consumption of products like salami, sausage, or similar items can pave the way for diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer's in later years.
Carbonated drinks, fruit-flavored sugary beverages, and iced teas also yielded similar results. The risk rose by 6% for those who consumed an extra portion daily.
Foods such as chips, sweets, or ready-made meals have not been directly linked to cognitive decline. However, this does not mean they are innocent.
Brenda Davy, an expert from Virginia Tech, states, 'The secret lies in balance and moderation. It's possible to eat a little of everything, but excess can also exhaust the brain.' The study indicates that a diet heavy in junk food increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression, and anxiety.
According to researchers, the simplest way to maintain brain health is to reduce the consumption of processed meat and sugary drinks. Particularly, reclaiming the habit of home cooking plays a crucial role in this process. This is due to the fact that home-cooked meals do not contain additives, artificial sweeteners, and colorants.