Eating fast food can be both convenient and delicious but it also has its negative effects. Other than leading to weight gain, increasing your cholesterol, raising your blood pressure, etc, you can now add dementia to the list.
A new study by JAMA Neurological that was published on Dec 5 suggests that if ultra processed fast foods represents more than 20% of your daily caloric intake, it could raise your chances of getting Dementia.
Eg. If you eat 3000 calories a day then 20% of that is 600 calories. So if you get a 10 chicken nuggets and fries , that alone will get you over 20%. If you repeat that a few times a week or more then you are increasing your chances of developing Dementia later on in life according to this study.
Ultra Processed Foods are food that has been drastically changed from its original state with things like additives, preservatives, artificial colours, fat, salt, sugar, etc.
Some examples of Ultra Processed foods are:
- chicken nuggets
- french fries
- hot dogs
- chips
- soft drinks
- chocolate
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a term used to describe a decline in cognitive function, including memory, language, and problem-solving abilities. It is a broad term that can be caused by a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease.
Symptoms of dementia can vary, but may include:
- Memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks, such as paying bills or cooking meals
- Struggling to find the right words or understand conversations
- Changes in mood or behavior, such as becoming more anxious or depressed
- Difficulty with spatial awareness, such as getting lost in familiar places
Dementia is a progressive condition, which means that symptoms typically worsen over time. It is important to seek medical evaluation if you or a loved one is experiencing any of the above symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Disclaimer: Always consult your doctor before trying anything mentioned in this article. All information in this email is intended for educational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Fit Dads Over 40 is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article.