How harmful the use of ultra-processed foods can be to your health, you may not realize it, today's children or adults eat chips with great enthusiasm, but its use is a big problem for your health.
A study has revealed that "ultra-processed" food may increase the risk of depression. Which can get you into trouble in the long run.
Researchers analyzed the dietary choices and mental health of more than 31,000 women aged 42 to 62. The data was obtained from the Nurses' Health Study conducted between 2003 and 2017.
Every four years, all participants had to fill out a food questionnaire, in which they had to indicate whether or not they consumed ultra-processed foods.
Ultra-processed foods were divided into nine categories for the study, including ultra-processed grains, ultra-processed dairy products, savory snacks, sweet snacks, ready-to-eat foods, fats and sauces, processed meats, and beverages. , and artificial sweeteners, etc.
Ultra-processed foods are those that can be preserved for years and contain preservatives, stabilizers, bulking or gelling agents, as well as artificial colors and flavors.
Ultra-processed foods can include soda, sugar-laden breakfast cereals, chips, candy, frozen dinners, chicken nuggets, and packaged soups.
The researchers also looked at other factors that may affect the risk of depression, such as age, body mass index, physical activity, smoking, sleep, chronic pain, alcohol consumption, income, and current medical conditions.
The researchers came to the conclusion that those who consumed large amounts of ultra-processed foods, particularly artificial sweeteners, and beverages with artificial sweeteners, were more likely to report experiencing depression.
This is so because although the brain is not as feeble as other body organs, it still needs nutritious nourishment to maintain its strength and health, but unhealthy nutrients have the opposite impact.
The study found that the risk of depression increased from 34 percent to 49 percent among those who consumed the most ultra-processed foods.
Researchers believe that avoiding these foods or limiting their consumption can protect oneself from this risk.
