The evidence against ultra-processed foods just keeps stacking up. In a new study, researchers presented preliminary findings from a study that shows regularly eating processed red meat is linked to a higher risk of developing dementia later in life.
Processed red meats include things like hot dogs, bacon, sausage, salami and bologna.
Researchers tracked more than 130,000 U.S. adults for up to 43 years. They said during that time, 11,173 of those people developed dementia.
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According to the study’s authors, those who ate two servings of processed red meat a week had a 14% higher risk of developing dementia than those who ate fewer servings.
Furthermore, the study found eating unprocessed red meat did not significantly increase the risk of developing dementia. Unprocessed red meats are things like steak or pork chops.
Most processed meats are classified as “ultra-processed foods,” which means they’re made with ingredients that don’t occur naturally. The most common are soy protein isolate, high fructose corn syrup, modified starches, flavorings or color additives. Many ultra-processed foods also have high levels of sugar, sodium or fat, all of which have long been known to negatively impact health.
Some of the most common ultra-processed foods are things like sodas, flavored yogurts, instant soups and most breakfast cereals. A different study published 2023 found they make up a huge part of the American diet, accounting for about 58% of children and adults’ calorie intake. These foods have been linked to health conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and some types of cancer.
In recent years, several studies have linked ultra-processed foods to cognitive decline as well — not just this new study. However, researchers say while these studies show a link, they do not prove the foods directly harm the brain and not all the studies have found a consistent link.
Experts also said they are not sure exactly how ultra-processed foods would impact the brain. Still, according to the researchers, cutting down on intake of these foods is never a bad idea.
