2023-09-03 10:52:22
It is well known that processed foods pose health risks. A study also suggests that ready meals also have an impact on mental health.
Sweets, breakfast cereals, frozen products: Processed foods pose a high health risk, for example for cancer or diabetes. Mental health can also suffer. This is the result of a US study. According to them, regular consumption of highly processed foods might lead to depression and anxiety disorders.
Scientists from the University of Miami examined more than 10,000 adults over a period of five years regarding their eating habits. The results: People who eat a lot of highly processed foods experience more days with depressive moods or feelings of anxiety.
More gloomy days from processed foods
At the same time, with increased consumption, the probability of experiencing days with good mental health decreases. The results of the study suggest that dietary habits can affect mental health.
“There was a significant increase in mentally unhealthy days among those who ate 60 percent or more of their calories from highly processed foods,” study author Eric Hecht summarized the results to the New York Times. still needs to be explored.
Exact mechanism still unclear
One thing is clear: Heavily processed foods do not have natural ingredients added, such as flavors, preservatives or colorings. They also contain large amounts of saturated fat, salt and sugar, while providing little protein, fiber or minerals. With regular and long-term consumption, this unhealthy mixture leads to impairment of the intestinal flora (an important part of the immune system) and promotes chronic inflammation.
The brain quickly gets used to this reward and learns a taste for these foods. That’s why it’s so difficult to stop eating chocolate and the like.
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