Status: 16.01.2024, 13:43 PM
By: Juliane Gutmann
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What we eat affects our health immensely. The risk of dementia is also promoted by certain foods. Sweets are one of them.
Mental decline is a major issue in old age. Many older people struggle with forgetfulness and have more problems participating in discussions because complex information can be processed less quickly. Mental decline does not necessarily mean that dementia will develop. However, if you have increased forgetfulness, you should have a medical examination to rule out diseases as a cause.
There are a few things we can do to stay mentally fit for a long time. This includes challenging the brain as often as possible. And healthy habits such as sufficient sleep and exercise also keep the mind young. It has already been recognized that nutrition plays an essential role in maintaining mental fitness. But more and more studies underpin the relevance of healthy eating.
Ready-made pizza promotes mental decline: What foods to avoid
According to Brazilian researchers, highly processed foods should be eaten as rarely as possible. They published their study in the journal Jama Neurology, in which they warn against frequent use. "If a high percentage of daily energy intake is met by ultra-highly processed foods, this is associated with cognitive decline in adults from an ethnically diverse sample," the researchers concluded. The results of the study support the current recommendations, according to which you should rarely reach for ultra-processed foods.
What are ultra-processed products?
If a food has been industrially produced and contains five or more ingredients, nutritionists speak of ultra-highly processed products. But it depends on the composition of the ingredients. For example, ultra-highly processed products consist mainly of oils, fats, starches and sugars. Additives such as emulsifiers or flavourings are also often added. Examples include industrially produced cakes, ready-made pizzas, energy drinks or sweets.
The more often you reach for highly processed foods, the worse it is for your memory, researchers found. © Imago
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The researchers evaluated the data of 10,775 study participants. The average age of the subjects was just under 52 years. The results of the study were clear: During a follow-up period of eight years on average, cognitive decline was increased by 28 percent in those who ate a large proportion of ultra-processed foods. The authors of the study see a connection with dementias such as Alzheimer's.
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Prefer plant-based foods
Nutritionists generally recommend that you do not prohibit yourself from eating food. It's the quantity that makes the poison. For example, if you cover the majority of your energy needs with plant-based foods such as vegetables and whole grain products, you can prevent colon cancer, among other things. Luxury foods such as ready-made pizza are also allowed – but in much smaller quantities. The traditional Mediterranean diet, for example, is considered enormously healthy, in which unprocessed foods make up the majority of the diet. Sweets and fast food, on the other hand, are very rarely served.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It is in no way a substitute for a visit to the doctor. Individual questions about clinical pictures may not be answered by our editorial team.