Consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has increased over the past 20 years. UPFs contain few or no whole foods, are industrially produced, are ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat, and include additives. The ultra-processing of food lessens its nutritional value. It has been known that higher UPF consumption is associated with overweight and heart disease. Now, research has been extended to examine its impact on mental health.
In a new study, over 72,000 participants who were at least 55 years old and didn’t have dementia (痴呆) at the start of the study were followed for an average of 10 years, during which they filled out questionnaires regarding their diet. By the end of the study, 518 people were diagnosed (诊断) with dementia. After adjusting for other factors that could affect risk of dementia such as age, gender, and heart disease, researchers found every 10 percent increase in daily intake of UPFs was associated with a 25 percent higher risk of dementia. They also found replacing 10 percent of UPFs with unprocessed or minimally processed foods was associated with a 19 percent lower risk of dementia.
In another study, researchers found individuals who consumed the most UPFs had statistically significant increases in the symptoms (症状) of mild depression, “mentally unhealthy days”, and “anxious days”. Eric Hecht, Founder and Executive Director of the Institute of Etiological Research, said, “More than 70 percent of packaged foods in the US are classified as UPFs and represent about 60 percent of all calories consumed by Americans. Given the degree of exposure to and effects of UPF consumption, this study has great significance in clinical practice and public health. It might help improve future development of dietary guidelines.”
Facing such alarming data, maybe it’s time for Americans to reconsider their food options. Researchers recommend taxes on UPFs and carrying out policies to reduce the consumption. They also support programs and policies to increase the availability and affordability of whole foods, especially among disadvantaged populations.
【小题1】What do we know about UPFs?| A．They have no nutritional value. | B．They are ready-made and instant foods. |
| C．They are cheap and mass-produced. | D．They serve as additions to our daily diets. |
| A．Positive. | B．Doubtful. | C．Mixed. | D．Conservative. |
| A．Collecting higher taxes on UPFs. | B．Decreasing UPFs’ share in diet. |
| C．Focusing on the nutrient content of foods. | D．Increasing public awareness of whole foods. |
| A．Public Health Response to UPFs | B．Physical Disorders Linked to UPFs |
| C．Rising Consumption of UPFs in the US | D．Negative Effects of UPFs on Mental Health |
