Study: Even small amounts of ultraprocessed foods can hurt your brain

FILE – Potato chips sit on a table during a taste testing on the Michigan State University campus (AP Photo/Mike Householder)

MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGHS (WAKA) – A new study says even a small amount of ultraprocessed foods can hurt your brain health.

The study is in the Journal Alzeimer’s and Dementia. It says just a 10% increase in eating these foods was linked to a higher risk of dementia. That amount is about equal to a small bag of chips.

Researchers say that’s even true for people who otherwise eat a healthy, plant-rich diet.

The study also says ultraprocessed foods have a negative effect on attention spans. They say these foods, which often have a high amount of fat, salt and sugar, can lack key nutrients needed for brain function.

Researchers say that cutting back or eliminating these foods from your diet may help lower your risk over time.