How are ultra-processed foods affecting your brain health?

Researchers found a 10% increase in ultra-processed foods was associated with a higher risk of cognitive impairment.

(NewsNation) — Ultra-processed or highly altered foods could increase the risk of a stroke and brain health, according to a research article published in the journal Neurology.

Researchers found a 10% increase in ultra-processed foods was associated with a higher risk of cognitive impairment. Eating more unprocessed or minimally processed foods was alternatively linked to a lower risk of cognitive impairment, the article suggested.

Examples of ultra-processed foods include chicken nuggets, frozen meals, hot dogs, packaged soups, pop and sweetened breakfast cereals, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Aside from brain health, the added sugar, fat and salts in ultra-processed foods also increase the risk for conditions such as heart disease, obesity and Type 2 diabetes, the Cleveland Clinic warns.