Eating these foods can lead to anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline, as per scientists

The effect of food and nutrition on one's mental health is increasingly being discussed. On one hand, scientists have informed us about the gut-mind connection, while on the other researchers have found surprising link between your groceries and dementia.

Eating ultra-processed foods like chips and soda have already been proven to be terrible for your body. And now, as reported by National Geographic, many studies has turned up evidence that these foods might also be terrible for your brain, and mental health.

Ultra-processed foods linked to brain health

National Geographic reports that several studies have independently proven how highly-processed foods are bad for the brain. In one study, scientists found that diets that consisted of these foods led to 44% greater risk of depression and a 48% higher risk of anxiety.

A different study conducted in the UK, that tracked half a million people, found that every 10% increase in the intake of ultra-processed food can increase the risk of having dementia by 25%.

While the exact connection between diet and brain health has not been determined, the evidence of the connection between ultra-processed food and the brain is too conspicuous to ignore.

Melissa M. Lane, post-doctoral research fellow at Deakin University’s School of Medicine, in Geelong, Australia, who works on the subject told National Geographic,

While the exact cause-and-effect relationship is still unknown, the strongest observational evidence from prospective studies leans towards the idea that eating high amounts of ultra-processed foods increases the risk of depression onset in the future

How ultra-processed food impacts emotions

Food categorised as ultra-processed are high in fat, sugar and salt, often with enhanced flavouring, additives and artificial sweeteners. Popular ultra-processed foods include soda, candy, cookies, cake, energy bars, packaged breads and cereals, frozen meals etc.

As the report states, eating too much salt, sugar, and/or saturated fat has been linked to chronic inflammation, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. But they also increase the risk for vascular dementia.

Along with this, artificial additives to food have been found to affect how the body releases chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which determine our emotions and mental well-being.

Read more:

⋙ Studies show fast-food soda fountains contains 'high levels of bacteria'

⋙ This is what 'forever chemicals' found in fast-food wrappers do to your body

⋙ Are you over-eating or binge-eating? The difference is key for sound mental health

Sources used:

National Geographic: ' Ultra-processed food isn't just bad for your health—it messes with your mind'