Danger of "silent stroke" and brain damage in processed foods: Scientific warning to hot dogs, takeaway bread and energy drinks

In the world of nutrition, neurology, cardiology and public health, a vital scientific study on the devastating effects of modern packaged foods on the human brain has been made public.

The research, conducted across Canada on approximately 9 thousand healthy individuals between the ages of 35 and 69 with no history of heart disease, mapped the effects of processed food consumption on brain tissue.

Assoc. Prof., an expert at McMaster University Population Health Research Institute (PHRI). Dr. In the study led by Russell J. de Souza, the brain tissues of the participants were examined with high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology.

Within the scope of the research, individuals who put products with chemical additives such as packaged hot dogs, chips, ready-sliced ​​breads, snacks with colorants and energy drinks at the center of their nutrition routines were analyzed.

The MRI findings showed that there were significantly increased cellular and vascular "micro-damage areas" in the brains of participants who consumed 45% of their daily diet from ultra-processed foods, compared to the group that consumed the least (16%).

The brain damage rate of individuals in the highest consumption group was 40% higher.

Experts emphasize that these micro brain injuries detected by MRI devices do not cause any clinical symptoms that can be noticed immediately when viewed from the outside, but this condition is called "silent stroke".

Assoc. Dr. Russell J. de Souza stated that these silent changes detected in the brain are the earliest warning signals that appear years before clinical complaints of stroke or severe memory loss (dementia) appear.

It has been noted that individuals who eat highly processed foods are almost twice as likely to experience brain damage.

The study also documented the direct link between processed food consumption and body fat distribution and visceral fat.

It was stated that the accumulation of "deep abdominal fat" detected in individuals with high UPF consumption causes chronic inflammation and vascular wall damage throughout the body, and this inflammatory process directly reaches the brain vessels through the blood circulation and triggers the damage.

Scientists have launched a new follow-up study involving participants to monitor the long-term direct effects of processed foods on the brain.