How Ultra-Processed Food Impairs Cognitive Performance
A study conducted by researchers from Monash University, the University of São Paulo, and Deakin University has found that increasing the proportion of ultra-processed foods in one's diet reduces attention and information processing speed—even among individuals who otherwise maintain a healthy eating pattern. Published on June 10 in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring, the research involved over 2,100 middle-aged and older Australian adults with no signs of dementia.
According to the findings, participants derived approximately 41% of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods. The study clearly demonstrated that even a small increase in the share of such foods in the daily menu leads to declines in attention and the brain's ability to process information quickly. Specifically, a 10% rise in ultra-processed food intake is equivalent to adding one 40-50 gram bag of chips per day to the diet, noted lead author Dr. Barbara Cardoso of the Victorian Heart Institute.
The Harmful Effects of Ultra-Processed Foods
During standardized cognitive tests, researchers recorded lower scores for visual attention among participants whose diets contained more ultra-processed items. Crucially, this negative effect appeared even in those who generally strove to eat healthily. People who primarily followed a beneficial Mediterranean diet also showed similar drops in concentration if they concurrently consumed ultra-processed products.
The study's biggest surprise was that cognitive decline occurred regardless of overall diet quality. Scientists attribute this to the fact that deep industrial processing destroys the natural structure of ingredients, leading to the formation of harmful chemical compounds and artificial additives. Additionally, the experts found that such foods exacerbate other dementia risk factors, including obesity and high blood pressure.
Although no direct link to long-term memory impairment was found at this stage, researchers emphasize that attention is a fundamental building block of thinking. Its systematic decline serves as an important early warning sign of broader negative changes in brain function.
These results highlight the importance of choosing high-quality foods, especially given the rising consumption of ultra-processed products in modern society. Reduced attention and cognitive function can become a serious issue affecting people's quality of life, particularly in older age. The study of the connection between diet and cognitive performance remains a pressing area of scientific research, as healthy eating may help prevent many neurological disorders.
While the recent study highlights the detrimental effects of ultra-processed foods on cognitive function, it's also important to consider other dietary patterns. For instance, a new analysis suggests that plant-based diets may not always offer protective benefits against dementia risks, emphasizing the complexity of nutrition's impact on brain health.