A new study suggests that ultra-processed foods may trigger anxiety in people with mental health issues. It examined the number of people who had experienced mild depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems, and whether the frequency of these conditions increased with the consumption of ultra-processed foods. It analyzed the data of 10-359 individuals who were 18 and older and took part in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The study found that people who ate more ultra-processed foods were more likely to experience these mental disorders, while those who didn’t regularly consume such foods were less likely to suffer from them.
The study also found that high intakes of ultra-processed foods significantly increased the risk of developing anxiety and depression. These foods contain ingredients such as added sugar, saturated fat, salt, and emulsifiers, as well as a low concentration of vitamins, fibre, and minerals. In addition, ultra-processed foods contain little or no real food.
The researchers also found that ultra-processed food intake was associated with alcohol use disorder symptoms. In particular, patients who reported consuming high amounts of ultra-processed food were more likely to experience obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms. In addition, high intakes of ultra-processed foods were also linked with a higher risk of binge eating.
In one study, Brazilian adult participants with high levels of perceived stress were significantly more likely to consume high amounts of ultra-processed food. This finding was significant, since the higher the level of stress, the greater the increase in ultra-processed food consumption. However, in the other study, the results were not significant.
However, future studies should take into account these results. Ultra-processed food is increasingly prevalent around the world. And the evidence suggests that this trend is set to continue. It is a good idea to eat more natural, whole food, and avoid ultra-processed foods. If you are in the news and need an expert, please contact our media relations team.
Another important benefit of ultra-processed food is that it is less expensive than most other food options. Many of these foods contain high amounts of additives that disrupt the delicate intestinal lining and harm the gut microbiome. They also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. These foods also make the digestive tract less able to digest healthy fiber.
Another study shows that ultra-processed foods may increase the risk of colorectal cancer in men. Researchers examined data on 3,200 colorectal cancer cases and found a 29% increased risk among men who ate the most ultra-processed foods. However, there was no difference between the risk for women when compared to those who did not consume ultra-processed foods.
