Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Higher Risk of Cognitive Decline and Stroke: Study Finds

Boston, Massachusetts United States of America
American Cancer Society recommends consuming 'very little' to no processed meat due to association with increased risk of colorectal cancer and all-cause mortality.
Examples include prepackaged soups, sauces, frozen pizza, ready-to-eat meals and pleasure foods such as hot dogs, sausages, French fries, sodas, store-bought cookies, cakes and candies.
Exchanging one or two meals a week of ultra-processed food for unprocessed or minimally processed alternatives resulted in measurable reduction in risk of stroke or cognitive impairment.
Greater intake of ultra-processed foods tied to increased risk of cognitive impairment by 12% and incident stroke by 8% for all participants.
Risk of stroke was even higher at 15% for Black participants.
Ultra-processed foods are typically high in calories, added sugar and salt but low in fiber.
Ultra-processed foods linked to higher risk of cognitive decline and stroke in study involving over 30,000 participants.
Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Higher Risk of Cognitive Decline and Stroke: Study Finds

Ultra-processed foods, such as frozen waffles, yogurt, cereal, and ready meals, have been linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and stroke in a study involving over 30,000 participants. The research published in the Neurology medical journal found that a greater intake of ultra-processed foods was tied to an increased risk of cognitive impairment by 12%, and incident stroke by 8% for all participants. For Black participants, the risk of stroke was even higher at 15%. However, exchanging one or two meals a week of ultra-processed food for unprocessed or minimally processed alternatives like fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes resulted in a measurable reduction in the risk of stroke or cognitive impairment. Ultra-processed foods are typically high in calories, added sugar and salt but low in fiber. Examples include prepackaged soups, sauces, frozen pizza, ready-to-eat meals and pleasure foods such as hot dogs, sausages, French fries, sodas, store-bought cookies, cakes and candies. The American Cancer Society recommends consuming 'very little' to no processed meat due to its association with an increased risk of colorectal cancer and all-cause mortality. Some commercially available whole grain breads are considered ultra-processed but are healthier options compared to refined grains, as they contain fiber, magnesium, selenium and are linked to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Breakfast cereals with added sugars, dyes and additives fall into the ultra-processed food category. Look for breakfast cereals with no more than 6 grams of sugar per dry ounce or opt for store-bought granola bars that contain nuts and have the least amount of added sugar.


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Confidence

91%

Doubts
  • Are the results of the study statistically significant?
  • Were all potential confounding factors accounted for in the study?

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

‘Deny, denounce, delay’: the battle over the risk of ultra-processed foods

Financial Times Thursday, 23 May 2024 14:07
  • Unique Points
    • Access to this article requires registration or subscription to FT Edit
  • Accuracy
    • ]The title of the article is 'Deny, denounce, delay: the battle over the risk of ultra-processed foods'[
    • There is a debate over the risks associated with ultra-processed foods
  • 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 (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

100%

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

Common Snack Foods Raise Risk of Cognitive Problems, Neurologists Warn

Newsweek LLC Pandora Dewan Wednesday, 22 May 2024 20:00
  • Unique Points
    • Ultra-processed foods account for almost 60 percent of energy intake in the US.
    • New research from Massachusetts General Hospital links ultra-processed foods to cognitive impairment and stroke.
    • A study of over 30,000 participants found that a 10% increase in ultra-processed food intake was associated with a 16% higher risk of cognitive impairment.
    • Eating unprocessed and minimally processed foods was associated with a 12% lower risk of cognitive impairment.
    • Ultra-processed food consumption was associated with an 8% higher stroke risk for all participants, and a 15% increased risk for Black participants.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • 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

88%

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

These 7 Breakfast Staples Are Ultra-Processed. How Should You Decide Which Ones to Avoid?

Verywell Health Thursday, 23 May 2024 14:09
  • Unique Points
    • A 30-year study linked ultra-processed foods, including certain breakfast staples, with a higher risk of early death.
    • Frozen waffles, yogurt, and cereal are examples of ultra-processed breakfast foods.
    • Processed meats like bacon have been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer and all-cause mortality. The American Cancer Society recommends consuming ‘very little, if any’ processed meat.
    • Some commercially available whole grain breads count as ultra-processed but are considered healthier options compared to refined grains. Whole grains contain fiber, magnesium, selenium, and are linked to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
    • Breakfast cereals with added sugars, dyes, and additives fall in the ultra-processed food category. Look for breakfast cereals with no more than 6 grams of sugar per dry ounce.
    • Store-bought granola bars are counted as ultra-processed, but look for options that contain nuts and have the least amount of added sugar.
  • Accuracy
    • Consuming high amounts of ultra-processed foods is associated with a 4% increased risk of early death from all causes.
  • Deception (50%)
    The article makes editorializing statements and uses emotional manipulation by implying that consuming ultra-processed foods is dangerous and will lead to negative health outcomes. The author also engages in selective reporting by only mentioning the negative aspects of certain ultra-processed foods while ignoring their potential benefits.
    • Multiple studies have associated processed meats with an increased risk of colorectal cancer and all-cause mortality.
    • Consuming high amounts of ultra-processed foods is associated with a 4% increased risk of early death from all causes, according to a 30-year study.
    • Frozen waffles, yogurt, and cereal fall into this category...should you cut them from your breakfast routine?
    • Consider the sugar content when deciding which cereals to add to your breakfast. Look for breakfast cereals with no more than 6 grams of sugar per dry ounce.
  • 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 (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

78%

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

Adding just a few ultraprocessed foods to a healthy diet raised risk of cognitive decline and stroke, study says

CNN News Site: In-Depth Reporting and Analysis with Some Financial Conflicts and Sensational Language Sandee LaMotte Wednesday, 22 May 2024 20:00
  • Unique Points
    • Eating more ultraprocessed foods is linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and stroke, even for those following Mediterranean, DASH or MIND diets.
    • Ultraprocessed foods include prepackaged soups, sauces, frozen pizza, ready-to-eat meals and pleasure foods such as hot dogs, sausages, French fries, sodas, store-bought cookies, cakes, candies and ice cream.
    • Eating more unprocessed or minimally processed foods was linked with a 12% lower risk of cognitive impairment.
    • Ultraprocessed foods are typically high in calories, added sugar and salt and low in fiber.
    • The study analyzed data on 30,000 people participating in the REGARD study over up to 20 years.
    • The risk of stroke was 8% higher for those who added the most ultraprocessed foods to their diet as compared with those who ate minimally processed foods.
    • The impact of ultraprocessed foods on high blood pressure is particularly significant for Black participants, increasing their risk of stroke by 15%.
    • Eating more unprocessed or minimally processed foods dropped the risk of stroke by 9% according to the study.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (5%)
    The author makes editorializing statements and uses sensational language in the title and throughout the article. The title implies that eating ultraprocessed foods raises the risk of cognitive decline and stroke 'even if a person is trying to adhere to a Mediterranean diet, DASH diet or the MIND diet.' However, according to Dr. Andrew Freeman, who was not involved in the study, 'this study can only show an association, not a direct cause and effect.' The author also uses emotional manipulation by stating that 'Studies on the dangers of eating ultraprocessed foods are piling up' and quoting Dr. W. Taylor Kimberly saying that 'the impact on blood vessels that leads to stroke and cognitive decline may also be due to the presence of additives including emulsifiers, colorants, sweeteners, and nitrates/nitrites.' The author selectively reports details from the study by focusing only on the negative aspects of ultraprocessed foods without mentioning that eating more unprocessed or minimally processed foods was linked with a 12% lower risk of cognitive impairment.
    • What we think of as ‘convenient food’ really needs to change from a package of chips to an apple or carrot that is also shelf-stable and can travel in your purse or backpack.
    • Adding just a few ultraprocessed foods to a healthy diet raised risk of cognitive decline and stroke, study says
    • If you increased your ultraprocessed food intake by 10%, it increased your risk of cognitive impairment by 16%.
  • Fallacies (90%)
    The article contains a few informal fallacies and appeals to authority. It also dichotomously depicts ultraprocessed foods as uniformly negative without considering potential nuances. However, no formal logical fallacies were found in the text.
    • . . . a new study found.
    • On the flip side, eating more unprocessed or minimally processed foods was linked with a 12% lower risk of cognitive impairment, according to the study published Wednesday in the journal Neurology.
    • Studies on the dangers of eating ultraprocessed foods are piling up.
    • According to a February review of 45 meta-analyses on almost 10 million people, eating 10% more ultraprocessed foods raised the risk of developing or dying from dozens of adverse health conditions.
  • Bias (95%)
    The author makes no overtly biased statements in the article. However, there is a clear bias towards presenting ultraprocessed foods in a negative light and unprocessed or minimally processed foods in a positive light. The author also quotes experts who express similar views, further reinforcing this bias.
    • Eating more ultraprocessed foods is linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and stroke
      • Studies on the dangers of eating ultraprocessed foods are piling up
        • Ultraprocessed foods are typically high in calories, added sugar and salt and low in fiber
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        95%

        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 bad for your brain health? Study raises warning

        Global News Canada Saba Aziz Thursday, 23 May 2024 14:15
        • Unique Points
          • A new study published in the Neurology medical journal found that a 10% increase in the consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with a 9% increased risk of incident stroke.
          • A greater intake of ultra-processed foods is tied to a 12% higher risk of cognitive impairment.
          • Ultra-processed foods go through multiple processes such as extrusion, moulding and milling, and contain many added ingredients. They are commonly found in convenience stores and made in industrial plants.
          • Exchanging one or two meals a week of ultra-processed food for unprocessed or minimally processed food is associated with a measurable reduction in the risk of stroke or cognitive impairment.
        • Accuracy
          • The same study also found that a greater intake of ultra-processed foods is tied to a 12% higher risk of cognitive impairment.
          • Ultra-processed foods, like pop, hot dogs and candies, have been linked to poor brain health outcomes including stroke and cognitive decline.
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (85%)
          The article by Saba Aziz does not contain any formal fallacies. However, there are several informal fallacies present in the article. The first is an appeal to authority when Dr. W. Taylor Kimberly is quoted as saying that eating ultra-processed foods increases the risk of stroke and cognitive impairment without providing evidence for this claim.
          • a greater intake of ultra-processed foods was tied to a 12 per cent higher risk of cognitive impairment
          • a 10 per cent increase in the consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a nine per cent increased risk of incident stroke
        • 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