We all know eating ultra-processed foods that make our lives easier — such as sauces, and frozen pizza — isn’t good for our health. Studies have found they can raise our risk of obesity, heart problems, diabetes and cancer. They may even shorten our lives. Now, a new study has revealed eating more ultra-processed foods may contribute to overall cognitive decline, including the brain executive functioning — the ability to process information and make decisions.

“While in need of further study, the new results are quite compelling and emphasize the critical role for proper nutrition in preserving and promoting brain health and reducing risk for brain diseases,“ said Tanzi, professor at Harvard Medical School. He was not involved in the study but he said in his book, “They, are, very high in sugar, salt and fat, promoting systemic inflammation, perhaps the most major threat to healthy aging. Meanwhile, since they are convenient and quick, they also replace fiber foods important for maintaining the health and balance of bacteria in your gut,” he added, “which is particularly important for brain health and reducing risk of age-related brain diseases like Alzheimer’

The study, presented at the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, followed over 10,000 Brazilians for 10 years. “In Brazil, ultra-processed foods make up 25% to 30% of total calorie intake. We have McDonald’s and Burger King. It is not very different from many other Western countries,” said coauthor Dr. Suemoto. Ultra-processed foods are defined as ”industrial formulations of food substances containing little or no whole foods and typically include flavorings, colorings and other chemical additives“ according to the study.

“People consuming over 20% of daily calories from processed foods had a 28% faster decline in global cognition and a 25% faster decline in executive functioning compared to people who not,” said study coauthor Natalia. Those in the study who ate the most ultra-processed foods ware “more likely to be younger, women, White, had higher education and incomes, and were more likely to have never smoked,” the study found.

“People need to know they should cook more,” Suemoto said. “And it’s worth it because you’re going to protect your heart and guard your brain,” she added.

【小题1】What does the underlined word “compelling” mean in Paragraph 2?

A．Convincing.

B．Surprising.

C．Suspicious.

D．Invaluable.

【小题2】What do we know from the passage?

A．Whoever never cooks is sure to develop Alzheimer.

B．Ultra-processed foods only affect your executive function.

C．Tanzi is the first to find the problem with Ultra-processed foods.

D．Brazilians’calorie intake is not different from most westerners.

【小题3】Who is likely to eat more ultra-processed foods?

A．An old beggar.

B．A heavy smoker.

C．A young professor.

D．A low-income man.

【小题4】What’s the main idea of this passage?

A．Ultra-processed foods can harm your health.

B．Fiber foods can reduce the risk of Alzheimer.

C．Fiber foods may maintain the balance of bacteria.

D．Ultra-processed foods will lead to cognitive decline.