A global study involving 30,000 individuals from India has found a strong link between frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and decreased mental wellbeing. The study revealed that those who consumed UPFs several times a day were nearly three times more likely to struggle with their mental health compared to those who rarely or never consumed these foods.
Frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods may be strongly linked to sharp decreases in mental wellbeing across genders, age groups and nationalities, a mega global study that included 30,000 individuals from India has found.
Those who consumed ultra-processed(UPFs) several times a day were nearly three times more likely to be distressed or struggling with their mental health as compared to those who rarely or never consumed these foods, responses from nearly 3 lakh people worldwide analysed by US-based nonprofit, Sapiens Labs, revealed in the report released Monday.
UPFs are loosely defined as foods produced on an industrial scale and generally include aerated drinks, packaged chips and snacks, many confectionary items and pre-packaged heat-and-eat meals. “There is some controversy on how to properly define UPFs. The simple rule of thumb is that if it contains ingredients you don’t have and processing that you can’t do in a home kitchen then it probably qualifies,” said neuro-scientist.
Oct 03,2023
Source: The Economic Times