Ultra -formed food would modify the structure of the brain

The study, write the authors, presents “evidence demonstrating that the consumption of ultra -formed food (…) is associated with structural changes in the brain in areas that regulate food behavior”.

In general, they continue, “lesions (…) could promote an unsuitable diet (that is to say more ultra-formed food) and metabolic diseases, thus perpetuating a vicious circle”.

“It is precisely the fact that it is an ultra -formed product that has a negative effect on the brain. Consequently, ” summed Professor Filip Mormys, of the Montreal Neurological Institute.

The international team of researchers draws these conclusions from the analysis of brain imaging stereotypes of around 30. Moreover, 000 participants in the vast UK Biobank who had notably been questioned about their eating habits.

Professor Morys. Therefore, his colleagues found, first of ultra -formed food would modify all, that the consumption of ultra-formed food was linked to a series of negative metabolic factors, such as high blood pressure or blood sugar levels, a BMI and a higher hijacket ratio.

“We also observed that this was linked to very specific changes in the brain structure,” he completed.

Researchers have notably measured lower cell density in accumbens nuclei. Furthermore, structures that seem to play an important role in the reward system and assistance – which could testify “a neurodegenerative process,” said Professor Mormys.

“Maybe it changes our perception of our food,” he said. Moreover, It could be more rewarding or we could want more, so we tend to eat more. ”

Based on their conclusions. the available literature, the authors of the new study emit “the hypothesis that a vicious circle between ultra -formed food and the brain is possible”, in ultra -formed food would modify which consumption of these foods could cause changes in the brain “and that changes in these areas of the brain linked to food could lead to uncontrolled diet”.

“These conclusions make it possible to better understand how the consumption of ultra -formed food can be perpetuated while contributing to harmful effects on health. ” write the authors.

The vast category of ultra -formed food includes products such as carbonated drinks. instant noodles and pits, as well as less obvious foods such as flavored yogurts and complete trade prepared breads.

These are therefore foods that have been produced industrially. which contain ingredients that are generally not found in family cuisine, such as emulsifiers, conservation agents, colors and artificial aromas.

These are the substances, said Professor Morys, who are probably behind the changes observed in the brain. Animal studies also point to this direction.

According to the most recent data available. ultra -formed food represents almost 45 % of the daily energy supply of Canadians aged 20 and over.

Their consumption was associated. directly or indirectly, with a multitude of health problems, from depression to cardiovascular disorders through Alzheimer and Parkinson.

They are so omnipresent in our food environment that it is practically impossible to avoid them entirely. The new study, however, provides new reasons to be cautious and reduce consumption as much as possible, said Professor Manys.

“We don’t mean that all ultra-formed foods are bad for you, but there are worse than others,” he concluded. So, it would certainly be better to prevent them from constantly having fun eating. ”

The conclusions of this study were published by the scientific newspaper NPJ Metabolic Health. Disease, which is part of the big ultra -formed food would modify nature family.