Eating ultra-processed foods increases the risk of depression by 22%.

Spanish we eat from 160 to 240 kilograms from ultra-processed foods per year, which corresponds to half a kilogram per day, according to data provided by Javier Sánchez Perona, CSIC researcher. These are industrial pizzas, pastries, cookies, cereals that we eat for breakfast, soft drinks, sweets, sauces… All these products are made from refined flour, sugar, low-quality fats and other additives.

Scientists have been warning for years about how harmful these foods are to overall health, as confirmed by a recent study from Deakin University in Australia. The team analyzed articles published on the topic over the past three years and found “strong evidence” that consumption of ultra-processed foods is strongly associated with deterioration of mental health.

You may be interested in: An anti-balding drug that may also reduce cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease

Thus, study leaders Melissa Lane and Wolfgang Max found that the risk depression increased by 22% when ultra-processed foods were common in the diet, and that this disease worsened dramatically when the amount of these types of foods exceeded the norm. 30% of daily ration person. Researcher Lane stressed the importance of taking “structural measures” to combat this dangerous trend, as well as including “warning labels on packages such as cigarettes.”

In addition to links to mental disorders, recent research also shows that ultra-processed foods cause a number of other overall health problems:

• High in calories, sugar and saturated fat.: Ultra-processed foods often contain excessive amounts of calories, added sugar and saturated fat. Excessive consumption of these nutrients can contribute to weight gain, obesity, and the development of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome.

You may be interested in: Which Spanish fruit with a little sugar is anti-inflammatory and promotes healthy digestion?

• Low in essential nutrients: Although high in calories, ultra-processed foods often lack essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and overall poor health, especially if these foods make up a significant portion of the diet.
• Negative effects on cardiovascular health: Regular consumption of ultra-processed foods, especially those high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium, may increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
• Increased risk of cancer: Some studies have shown that excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods may be associated with an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer, possibly due to the presence of food additives and other chemicals used in their processing.

• food addiction: Ultra-processed foods are often highly palatable and addictive, which can lead to overconsumption and addiction to these foods. This can make it difficult to adopt healthy eating habits and contribute to a cycle of compulsive eating of unhealthy foods.