The Impact of Ultraprocessed Foods on Brain and Mental Health.

Highly processed foods, which make up a majority of the packaged foods sold in the United States, have been linked to negative mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Ultraprocessed foods are carefully formulated to be addictive and are often low in fiber, which is necessary for good gut health and the production of short-chain fatty acids that play an important role in brain function. Chemical additives in these foods may also negatively impact gut microbiota diversity and contribute to chronic inflammation. Reading product labels and avoiding foods with a long list of unpronounceable ingredients can help identify ultraprocessed foods, while using shortcut ingredients like canned beans and frozen vegetables can make cooking easier without resorting to unhealthy options.