Ultra-Processed Foods: The Silent Culprit of Memory Problems, Stroke Risk, and Addiction

Dubai, United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates
Consuming large amounts of ultra-processed foods is linked to memory problems, thinking abilities issues, stroke risk, and addiction potential.
Ultra-processed foods can negatively impact cognitive function and overall health.
Ultra-processed foods may be as addictive as cigarettes or alcohol due to their high content of added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats.
Unprocessed or minimally processed foods are recommended for optimal brain health as they have a lower risk of cognitive impairment and stroke.
Ultra-Processed Foods: The Silent Culprit of Memory Problems, Stroke Risk, and Addiction

Title: The Harmful Effects of Ultra-Processed Foods on the Human Mind and Body

Lead: A growing body of research suggests that ultra-processed foods, which are high in added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats, can have detrimental effects on both cognitive function and overall health. In this article, we will explore the latest findings on the relationship between ultra-processed foods and memory problems, thinking abilities, stroke risk, addiction potential,

Paragraph 1: Memory Problems and Thinking Abilities The human brain requires a constant supply of nutrients to function optimally. However, consuming large amounts of ultra-processed foods can negatively impact cognitive function over time. For instance, a study published in the Neurology medical journal followed over 30,000 people for an average of 11 years and found that those who developed memory and thinking problems consumed 25.8% of their diet in ultra-processed foods compared to 24.6% for those who did not develop cognitive problems (Source A). Another study published in the American Academy of Neurology discovered that people with a stroke during the study consumed 25.4% of their diet in ultra-processed foods compared to 25.1% for those who did not have a stroke (Source B).

Paragraph 2: Stroke Risk and Addiction Potential Eating more unprocessed or minimally processed foods, on the other hand, was linked with a 12% lower risk of cognitive impairment and a 9% decreased risk of stroke (Source A). Furthermore, researchers from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital found that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to an 8% greater risk of stroke and a 12% higher risk of accelerated cognitive decline (Source C). Additionally, some studies suggest that ultra-processed foods may be as addictive as cigarettes or alcohol due to their high content of added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats (Source D).

Paragraph 3: Background Information and Conclusion Ultra-processed foods are often high in calories from unhealthy ingredients such as sugar, salt, and fat. These components can trigger inflammation and impact cognitive functions. Consuming a diet rich in ultra-processed foods may lead to negative health consequences like obesity, type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, and even death from all causes (Source E). To maintain optimal brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline and stroke, it is recommended that individuals focus on consuming whole or minimally processed foods as part of a balanced diet. This may include increasing intake of leafy greens, nuts, fish-based protein sources, and limiting consumption of prepackaged meals, deli meats, potato chips, sodas, sweetened breakfast cereals,

References: A) Neurology medical journal (2024). B) American Academy of Neurology (2024). C) Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital (2024). D) Everyday Health (2024). E) Contemporary Pediatrics.com (n.d.).


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Confidence

91%

Doubts
  • Are the studies mentioned in the article peer-reviewed?
  • Is there a causal relationship between ultra-processed foods and cognitive decline or stroke, or just a correlation?

Sources

83%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Are ultra-processed foods as addictive as cigarettes?

National Geographic Wednesday, 29 May 2024 12:54
  • Unique Points
    • Up to 20% of adults and 15% of kids and adolescents have signs of addiction to ultra-processed foods.
    • Three dozen international experts found sufficient evidence that people can become addicted to ultra-processed foods.
    • Ultra-processed foods trigger the brain’s reward system so powerfully that people may not be deciding what they eat in the way that we think of free will.
    • People may drive long distances or risk electric shock to get these foods.
    • Withdrawal symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and irritability have been observed when ultra-processed foods are withheld.
    • High consumption of ultra-processed foods has been linked to numerous health problems including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, depression, anxiety and death from all causes.
    • People become less satisfied with whole foods when they are familiar with the intense flavors and mouthfeel of ultra-processed foods.
  • Accuracy
    • Ultra-processed foods trigger the brain’s reward system so powerfully that people may not be deciding what they eat in the way that we think of free will.
    • Three dozen international experts found sufficient evidence that people can become addicted to ultra-processed foods and this can occur with or without other eating disorders.
    • Ultra-processed foods deliver unnaturally high doses of rewarding ingredients in an unnaturally fast way, often in unnaturally high combinations.
    • People may drive long distances or risk electric shock to get these foods.
    • Withdrawal symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and irritability have been observed when ultra-processed foods are withheld.
  • Deception (50%)
    The article makes several statements that imply addiction to ultra-processed foods without providing clear evidence or peer-reviewed studies. The author quotes experts who have studied food addiction but does not disclose their sources. The article also uses emotional manipulation by describing the addictive properties of ultra-processed foods in a sensationalist way.
    • Ultra-processed foods are manufactured inside industrial factories—not your grandma’s kitchen—and they contain ingredients that are altered and combined in ways that amp up their fat, sugar, and/or salt content. They also include multiple other flavor and sensory enhancers to make them so enticing that people can’t resist.
    • Highly processed foods are addictive for some people because they trigger the cravings, compulsive consumption, and other traits associated with tobacco or alcohol substance use disorder.
    • These foods include packaged snacks; ready-to-eat breakfast cereals; most fast foods; mass-produced breads and desserts; reconstituted fish and meat products like sausages, hot dogs, and fish sticks; soft drinks; ice cream and candies;
    • A growing body of evidence shows that this phenomenon isn’t due to a lack of willpower—it may be caused by a condition called ultra-processed food addiction.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article provides evidence for the existence of ultra-processed food addiction and its negative effects on health. It cites multiple studies and expert opinions to support this claim. However, it does not directly quote any individual making an appeal to authority or using inflammatory rhetoric. The article also discusses the potential dangers of ultra-processed foods without providing personal anecdotes or emotional appeals, which could have led to a higher score.
    • Highly processed foods are addictive for some people because they trigger the cravings, compulsive consumption, and other traits associated with tobacco or alcohol substance use disorder.
  • Bias (95%)
    The article makes several statements that suggest a bias towards the idea that ultra-processed foods are addictive. The author uses language such as 'highly processed foods are addictive for some people' and 'these foods just activate our brain’s reward system so powerfully'. These statements imply a belief in the addiction theory, which is being presented as fact. Additionally, the article quotes experts who support this theory and provides evidence from studies that allegedly show ultra-processed foods meet the criteria for addiction. However, it is important to note that not all scientists agree with this theory and some argue that other factors such as overeating or lack of willpower are more significant contributors to obesity and related health issues.
    • Highly processed foods are addictive for some people because they trigger the cravings, compulsive consumption, and other traits associated with tobacco or alcohol substance use disorder.
      • These foods are estimated to comprise close to 60 percent of the calories consumed in the United States.
        • Ultra-processed foods are manufactured inside industrial factories—not your grandma’s kitchen—and they contain ingredients that are altered and combined in ways that amp up their fat, sugar, and/or salt content. They also include multiple other flavor and sensory enhancers to make them so enticing that people can’t resist.
          • Ultra-processed foods deliver unnaturally high doses in an unnaturally fast way, often in unnaturally high combinations of rewarding ingredients.
            • Who hasn’t had the sensation of tunneling through a large bag of potato chips or eating more donuts than intended?
            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication

            98%

            The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
            (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

            A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

            How ultra-processed food damages the human mind

            National Post National Post Wednesday, 29 May 2024 12:55
            • Unique Points
              • Study followed over 30,000 people for an average of 11 years
              • People who developed memory and thinking problems consumed 25.8% of their diet in ultra-processed foods compared to 24.6% for those who did not develop cognitive problems
              • Eating more unprocessed or minimally processed foods was linked with a 12% lower risk of cognitive impairment
              • People who had a stroke during the study consumed 25.4% of their diet in ultra-processed foods compared to 25.1% for those who did not have a stroke
              • Greater intake of ultra-processed foods was linked to an 8% increase in risk of stroke, while greater intake of unprocessed or minimally processed foods was linked to a 9% decreased risk of stroke
              • The effect of ultra-processed food consumption on stroke risk was even greater among Black participants, with a 15% relative increase in risk
            • Accuracy
              • A 10% increase in the amount of ultra-processed foods eaten was associated with a 16% higher risk of cognitive impairment
              • Greater intake of ultra-processed foods was linked to an 8% increase in risk of stroke
            • Deception (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Fallacies (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Bias (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication

            76%

            The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
            (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

            A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

            Ultra-processed food is 'as addictive as smoking'

            The National News Emma Pearson Tuesday, 28 May 2024 00:00
            • Unique Points
              • Former Muay Thai fighter Jeffrey Zorn became addicted to ultra-processed foods while training in Thailand and eating primarily petrol station food.
              • Zorn's addiction led to an autoimmune condition called weeping eczema, which is typically caused by an inadequate diet and lifestyle.
            • Accuracy
              • Up to 20% of adults and 15% of kids and adolescents have signs of addiction to ultra-processed foods.
              • Ultra-processed foods are manufactured inside industrial factories and contain ingredients that amp up their fat, sugar, and/or salt content.
              • They include packaged snacks, ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, most fast foods, mass-produced breads and desserts, reconstituted fish and meat products like sausages, hot dogs, and fish sticks.
              • Ultra-processed foods trigger the brain’s reward system so powerfully that people may not be deciding what they eat in the way that we think of free will.
              • Large-bodied people with an addiction to ultra-processed foods are more likely to have a microbial composition similar to that of people with other addictive tendencies.
              • Craving is a key feature of addiction and it’s readily seen with ultra-processed foods. People may drive long distances or risk electric shock to get these foods.
              • Withdrawal symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and irritability have been observed when ultra-processed foods are withheld.
              • Ultra-processed foods meet all criteria for addiction as determined by a study that applied the same criteria used for tobacco products in 1988.
            • Deception (30%)
              The article makes several statements that imply ultra-processed foods are addictive without providing any peer-reviewed studies to support this claim. The author quotes individuals who have experienced cravings and a loss of control over consumption patterns, but these anecdotes do not prove that ultra-processed foods cause addiction. The article also suggests that some ultra-processed foods should be taxed and labeled to reflect their addictive properties, which is an editorial opinion by the author.
              • Ultra-processed foods can be as addictive as alcohol, tobacco or gambling, according to a 36-country study published in the British Medical Journal
              • Former Muay Thai fighter Jeffrey Zorn says giving up ultra-processed foods was just as difficult as giving up smoking.
            • Fallacies (85%)
              The article contains a few instances of inflammatory rhetoric and appeals to authority. It does not contain any formal fallacies or dichotomous depictions.
              • Ultra-processed foods should be taxed and labelled to reflect this.
            • Bias (85%)
              The article discusses the addictive nature of ultra-processed foods and suggests that they should be taxed and labeled to reflect their negative health impacts. The author provides statistics from a study that found 14% of adults and 12% of children are addicted to these types of foods, causing them to overeat dangerously. There is an emphasis on the comparison between the addictive nature of ultra-processed foods and substances like alcohol, tobacco, and gambling. However, no specific author assertions that demonstrate a political or religious bias were found.
              • Cultivating cooking skills and prioritising fresh meals is crucial in the battle against ultra-processed foods.
                • It's a type of addiction that forms when your body is craving nutrition...
                  • Junk food can be as addictive as alcohol, tobacco or gambling...
                    • Not only are these substances addictive, but they also lack any nutritional sustenance...
                      • On a typical day, the Dubai resident would devour 7,000 calories in Gatorade, ice cream, sweets, canned coffee and processed carbs...
                        • The impact of ultra-processed foods on the brain is notable, particularly concerning the activation of reward pathways that may lead to addictive behaviours.
                          • The prevalence of ultra-processed foods in the UAE diet exhibits variability...
                            • Ultra-processed refers to foods that replace traditional ingredients with cheap, sometimes entirely synthetic substitutes.
                              • We've started eating substances constructed from novel molecules and using processes never previously encountered in our evolutionary history.
                              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                                None Found At Time Of Publication
                              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                                None Found At Time Of Publication

                              96%

                              The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                              (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                              A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                              Study: Ultraprocessed food increases cardiovascular risk in children

                              Contemporary Pediatrics Patrick Campbell Wednesday, 29 May 2024 13:00
                              • Unique Points
                                • A recent study suggests that high ultraprocessed food consumption in preschool children is linked to increased cardiometabolic risk factors.
                                • Elevated levels of ultraprocessed food consumption was linked to negative changes in BMI, waist circumference, fat mass index, and lipid profile during the follow-up period relative to those with lower levels of ultraprocessed food consumption.
                                • Consumption of processed and ultraprocessed foods has increased since the turn of the century.
                                • From the study, 1426 individuals were identified for inclusion in the current study with a mean age of 5.8 (SD, 1.0) years and 49.0% being boys.
                                • Mothers of children with high ultraprocessed food consumption were younger, had a higher BMI, were more likely to have overweight or obesity, and had lower education levels and employment rates.
                                • Those in the highest tertile of energy-adjusted ultraprocessed food consumption showed higher z-scores of BMI, waist circumference, fat mass index, and fasting plasma glucose and lower z-scores for HDL cholesterol relative to the lowest tertile.
                                • Each 1-SD increase in energy-adjusted ultraprocessed food consumption was associated with higher z-scores for BMI, waist circumference, fat mass index, and fasting plasma glucose and lower HDL cholesterol.
                                • 100 grams of ultraprocessed foods were associated with lower z-scores of BMI, fat mass index, and fasting plasma glucose compared to 100 grams of unprocessed or minimally processed foods.
                              • Accuracy
                                • Ultra-processed foods are manufactured inside industrial factories and contain ingredients that amp up their fat, sugar, and/or salt content.
                                • From the study, 1426 individuals were identified for inclusion in the current study with a mean age of 5.8 (SD, 1.1) years and 49.0% being boys.
                              • Deception (100%)
                                None Found At Time Of Publication
                              • Fallacies (95%)
                                The article contains some instances of inflammatory rhetoric and an appeal to authority. However, no formal or dichotomous fallacies were found. The author expresses concern over the findings of the study and quotes the principal investigator making similar statements. This does not constitute a fallacy as it is a valid reporting of their positions.
                                • ][The findings] give cause for concern.[/
                                • principal investigator Nancy Babio, PhD, of the Unit of Human Nutrition at Universitat Rovira I Virgili
                              • Bias (100%)
                                None Found At Time Of Publication
                              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                                None Found At Time Of Publication
                              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                                None Found At Time Of Publication

                              97%

                              The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                              (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                              A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                              Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Cognitive Decline

                              Everyday Health Lisa Rapaport Wednesday, 29 May 2024 13:01
                              • Unique Points
                                • Study found that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to an 8% greater risk of stroke and a 12% higher risk of accelerated cognitive decline.
                                • People who eat the most unprocessed or minimally processed foods had a 9% lower risk of stroke.
                                • Small dietary changes can make a meaningful difference for brain health. Each 10% increase in the amount of unprocessed and minimally processed foods consumed is associated with a 12% lower risk of accelerated cognitive decline.
                                • Ultra-processed foods tend to provide a lot of calories from unhealthy ingredients, containing added ingredients like sugar, salt, fat, artificial colors, and preservatives.
                                • Components like fat can trigger inflammation and impact cognitive functions.
                              • Accuracy
                                • Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to an 8% greater risk of stroke and a 12% higher risk of accelerated cognitive decline.
                                • Each 10% increase in the amount of unprocessed and minimally processed foods consumed is associated with a 12% lower risk of accelerated cognitive decline.
                              • Deception (100%)
                                None Found At Time Of Publication
                              • Fallacies (90%)
                                The article contains some inflammatory rhetoric and appeals to authority, but no formal fallacies. The author states that 'higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was linked with an 8 percent greater risk of stroke and a 12 percent higher risk of accelerated cognitive decline', which is an appeal to authority based on the results of a study. Additionally, there are inflammatory phrases such as 'not only should we aim to reduce the amount of prepackaged foods and sweet and salty snacks' and 'ultra-processed foods tend to be the most heavily processed packaged products available in the grocery store'. However, no formal fallacies are present in the article.
                                • Ultra-processed foods, such as prepackaged meals, deli meats, potato chips, sodas, and sweetened breakfast cereals...
                                • Not only should we aim to increase the amount of healthy foods...
                                • Ultra-processed foods tend to be the most heavily processed packaged products available in the grocery store.
                              • Bias (100%)
                                None Found At Time Of Publication
                              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                                None Found At Time Of Publication
                              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                                None Found At Time Of Publication