Questão 34 - UDESC Manhã 2026/2

    Ultra-processed foods linked to cognitive decline

 

Published on 08/08/2022

 

Difficulty remembering dates, doing simple math, or performing basic everyday tasks - cognitive abilities such as these usually deteriorate as age advances. Research conducted by scientists at the University of São Paulo (USP), however, shows that the loss is up to 28 percent higher among people who consume more ultra-processed foods. These are food items that have undergone such an intense industrial process that their composition no longer resembles real food. This category includes sliced bread, snacks, and soft drinks.

Cognitive decline was greater among people who consumed more than 20 percent of their daily calories from ultra-processed food. Reaching this proportion is no difficult task: 20 percent is equivalent to three slices of loaf bread a day. The results were presented at the International Alzheimer's Conference, held last week in San Diego, US.

The average consumption of ultra-processed food stands at precisely 20 percent in Brazil. The level is three times lower than in rich nations, where the percentage can go as high as 60 percent. "This is exactly why a country like Brazil is a coveted market for the food industry", said nutritionist Renata Levy, a member of USP's Nutrition and Health Research Center.

According to Brazil's new food labeling rules, the packaging of products high in fat, sugar, or sodium is required to show it conspicuously on the label. Levy finds the new norm a good idea, but states "more needs to be done to discourage the consumption of ultra-processed products".

Another solution to reduce the consumption of bad quality food advocated by scientists is a ban on the sale of ultra-processed products in school cafeterias, as teenagers are the main consumers of this type of product in Brazil.

Source: https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/en/saude/noticia/2022-08/ultra-processed-foods-may-contribute-cognitive-loss. Access on March 26th, 2026. [Adapted.]

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