A new study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition points to a troubling link between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and the deterioration of mental health. Researchers analyzed data from over 400,000 participants across 60 countries, allowing them to draw important conclusions about the impact of food on emotional well-being and cognitive functions.
As part of this large-scale international survey conducted in 2023, researchers assessed the psychological state of participants, including their emotional well-being and cognitive control abilities. Each respondent also shared information about the frequency of their consumption of ultra-processed foods. The analysis of the data took into account important factors such as income level, physical activity, past traumas, and life stresses.
The analysis revealed a clear connection between frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods and a decline in mental well-being. This is manifested in increased depressive symptoms and difficulties in emotional regulation and concentration.
Additionally, the researchers used modeling to estimate the impact of ultra-processed foods on levels of mental distress on a global scale. Their calculations suggest that between 3.4% and 7.8% of the world's population may suffer from clinically significant mental distress related to the consumption of such foods.
