🍕 Which ultra-processed products are most harmful to your mental health?

The omnipresence of industrial products in our supermarkets could represent a danger to our cognitive health. A scientific investigation conducted by American researchers now establishes a distinction between different categories of processed foods, identifying those that contribute most to the impairment of brain functions. These findings challenge some of our most ingrained eating habits.

The study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition provides new insight into the links between nutrition and brain health. Scientists followed 4,750 participants aged 55 and over for 7 years, regularly evaluating their cognitive abilities through standardized tests. By observing their eating habits, their methodology made it possible to isolate the specific impact of each category of ultra-processed foods, beyond the generalities usually put forward about this type of product.

Meats and drinks: a dangerous cocktail

Analysis of the data reveals that processed meat products represent the most significant threat to brain health. Deli meats, sausages and other industrial meat preparations increase the risk of cognitive disorders by 17% for each additional daily serving. These foods modified by industrial processes appear particularly aggressive to neurons.

Sugary drinks occupy second place in this unenviable ranking. Sodas, iced teas and industrial fruit juices lead to a 6% increase in risk for each additional daily consumption. Their composition rich in fast sugars and additives could explain their negative impact on the brain circuits responsible for memory and executive functions.

The research demonstrates that the regular combination of these two categories of products enhances their deleterious effects. The precise mechanisms remain to be elucidated, but scientists are examining several leads, including chronic inflammation, oxidative stress and disruption of the gut microbiota. These physiological processes would directly affect communication between nerve cells.

A targeted threat, not generalized

Contrary to expectations, overall consumption of ultra-processed foods shows no significant correlation with cognitive decline in this study. Salty snacks, ready meals or industrial cereal products do not appear to be associated with accelerated deterioration of brain faculties. This important nuance moderates alarmist discourse about all these products.


Researchers emphasize that the specific composition of processed meats and drinks could explain their particular danger. Nitrates, phosphates, liquid sugars and certain additives present in these products would more easily cross the blood-brain barrier, this natural protection of the brain against harmful substances circulating in the blood.

These observations open up concrete perspectives for prevention without requiring complete abstinence from industrial foods. The emphasis can be placed on the selective reduction of the most problematic categories, according to the principle of moderation defended by the study authors. This pragmatic approach recognizes the diversity of contemporary eating behaviors.

To go further: What exactly is an ultra-processed food?

The NOVA classification categorizes foods according to their degree of processing. Ultra-processed products undergo several industrial stages and contain additives with no culinary equivalent. Their formulation aims for profitability and preservation rather than nutritional quality.

These foods often combine isolated ingredients such as textured proteins or hydrogenated oils. Their list of additives includes emulsifiers, sweeteners and artificial flavor enhancers. Their unbalanced nutritional profile distinguishes them from traditional culinary preparations.

Their consumption has increased steadily since the 1980s in most industrialized countries. They sometimes represent more than half of calorie intake in certain populations, particularly among children and adolescents.

How do researchers measure cognitive decline?

Standardized assessments include immediate and delayed memory tests that measure the ability to retain new information. Other exercises examine executive functions such as mental flexibility or inhibitory control. These internationally validated tools allow for objective comparisons.

Longitudinal follow-up makes it possible to observe the evolution of performance over several years. Researchers establish scores from several complementary tests. This methodology detects subtle variations preceding clinically significant disorders.

The American study used simple tests like counting backwards or subtracting successive numbers. These apparently basic tasks nevertheless engage elaborate neural networks whose alteration signals an increased risk of neurodegenerative pathology.