The foods ‘driving an autism, depression and dementia epidemic' revealed in bombshell study
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
FOODS that make up around 57 per cent of the average UK diet are fuelling autism, depression and dementia cases, scientists warn.
In a major new review, ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have been linked to rising rates of neurological disorders.
1
Microplastics are found in alarming quantities in UPFs
Credit: Getty
The actual culprit is believed to be microplastics, which are found in alarming levels in UPFs.
UPFs are more susceptible to microplastics than other foods due to their packaging, additives and the equipment used to process them.
Co-lead author of the new paper Dr Nicholas Fabiano, from the University of Ottawa, said: "We're seeing converging evidence that should concern us all.
"Ultra-processed foods...contain significantly higher concentrations of microplastics than whole foods.
"Recent findings show these particles can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in alarming quantities."
Another author, Dr Wolfgang Marx from Deakin University's Food & Mood Center, said there is "remarkable overlap" in the way UPFs and microplastics harm mental health.
He explained: "This hypothesis is particularly compelling because we see remarkable overlap in biological mechanisms.
"Ultra-processed foods have been linked to adverse mental health through inflammation, oxidative stress, epigenetics, mitochondrial dysfunction, and disruptions to neurotransmitter systems.
"Microplastics appear to operate through remarkably similar pathways."
In the new article published in the May issue of Brain Medicine, researchers reviewed studies that focused on the relationship between ultra-processed foods, microplastics and mental health.
5 ultra-processed foods to avoid
One study, recently published in The British Medical journal, found people who consumed UPFs had a 22 per cent high risk of depression, a 48 per cent higher risk of anxiety, and a 41 per cent higher risk of poor sleep - which can negatively impact brain health.
Another study included in their review found microplastics and nanoplastics induce oxidative stress and the central nervous system, which could lead to cellular damage and raise the risk of neurological disorders.
Based on current data, the authors concluded high levels of microplastic contamination in UPFs could be why they have such a detrimental impact on health.
Scientists believe UPFs can negatively impact brain health by disrupting the gut-brain axis - communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain - promoting inflammation, and potentially leading to cognitive decline and mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Alongside brain health, UPFs have been linked to a wide range of negative health outcomes.
Consuming lots of UPFs can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
A recent study found substituting 10 per cent of UPFs with minimally processed foods reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 18 per cent.
A study published last year found people who eat lots of UPFs may be at greater risk of dying early.
And there's been some research that indicates a correlation between UPF intake and a higher risk of overall cancer, head and neck cancer, oesophageal adenocarcinoma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and brain cancer.
However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind this association and the relative impact of different dimensions of processing on cancer risk.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
18 hours ago
- Metro
Experts identify speech pattern that could hint at cognitive decline
Hiyah Zaidi Published July 2, 2025 11:53am Updated July 2, 2025 11:53am Link is copied Comments Most of us often forget the word we're looking for — but is this a normal thing or a sign that your brain is ageing? Researchers from the University of Toronto set out to figure out what's going on, and they found it's the speed of your speech that could be a more accurate indicator of your brain's health rather than forgetting words (Picture: Getty) Speaking to 125 healthy adults, aged between 18 to 90, the researchers asked their participants to describe a scene in detail. They then analysed the recordings using AI, to look details such as the speed of talking, the duration of pauses between words and the range of words used. The participants also had to complete tests to measure their concentration, thinking speed and their ability to plan and carry out tasks (Picture: Getty) The researchers also used a picture-word interference task, designed to separate the two steps to name an object – finding the right word and instructing the mouth on how to say it. The participants were shown pictures of everyday objects while the researchers played an audio clip of a word either related in meaning or which sounds similar (Picture: Getty) They found that the natural speech speed of older adults was related to their quickness in naming pictures. They say that this could indicate a general slowdown in processing could couple with broader cognitive and linguistic changes with age, rather than a specific issue of recalling words. Further findings revealed that people who spoke more slowly also scored lower on tasks requiring planning and focus, even when word-finding errors were rare (Picture: Getty) The researchers said in The Conversation: 'While the findings from this study are interesting, finding words in response to picture-based cues may not reflect the complexity of vocabulary in unconstrained everyday conversation. Verbal fluency tasks, which require participants to generate as many words as possible from a given category (for example, animals or fruits) or starting with a specific letter within a time limit, may be used with picture-naming to better capture the 'tip-of-the-tongue' phenomenon' (Picture: Getty) The tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon is when someone has a temporary inability to retrieve a word from memory, despite the feeling that the word is known. However, the researchers say that the verbal fluency tasks are considered a better test of everyday conversations than the picture-word interference task because they involve the active retrieval and production of words from your own vocabulary. So, poor performance on these tasks can indicate neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's (Picture: Getty) Everyday habits are important. Keeping your brain sharp with conversations, word games, and even learning new languages can help keep neural pathways exercised. It is also important to maintain a healthy sleep schedule, as well as a healthy diet with a lower intake of alcohol which can help prevent cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia (Picture: Getty) Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Scottish Sun
19 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Garden experts issue urgent artificial lawn warning as kids and pets could be at risk
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITS have been warned that their fake lawns could be harming their children and pets. Artificial grass traps traces of animal wee and poo, with the resulting bacteria a risk to people, cats, dogs and other wild critters, say experts. 1 Artificial grass could be a danger to kids and pets (stock image) Credit: Getty The report said: "While synthetic lawns are a popular low-maintenance option, they don't clean themselves." It added: "Many households don't realise that artificial grass must be cleaned regularly - especially when pets are involved. "Artificial grass can trap pet urine and faecal bacteria, if not rinsed and sanitised. "That build-up can release harmful vapours and bacteria, posing risks to your pet's health." It said the recent heatwave had turned mock turf into "a breeding ground for pests and a source of serious bacterial contamination". The report commissioned by Decking Superstore went on: "Pet urine doesn't soak into the ground like it would with natural grass - instead it lingers on the surface or underneath, especially if left untreated." Researchers found fans of astroturfed back yards had suffered maggot and fly infestations, ammonia build-up from pet urine, E. coli and salmonella exposure, and unpleasant pongs during hot temperatures. While pets had been hit with skin infections and paw irritation. Lawn Tips If real grass is more your thing in the garden, there's a good chance the scorching weather recently has been turning your lawn yellow. But don't worry, there's a simple fix. Watch the moment home owner walks over their new-build's lawn and shows how landscaping turned it into a water bed You can transform your grass this summer with a completely free step. Scattering grass seed is the only way you can boost growth in sparse patches of lawn. However, this solution often faces a significant problem when it comes to wildlife. Birds often feed on grass seeds, swooping into your garden to peck them from your lawn. To protect your grass seed while you wait for growth, one gardening fanatic suggests: "Cover your grass seeds with grass cuttings to protect them from the birds. "Grass cuttings hold a lot of water so [they] will make it grow faster, proper green fingers." More gardening hacks An everyday £3 household item also helps to fertilise your flowerbeds this summer. Another budget buy will leave your lawn looking healthier than ever in a matter of days. And another hack helps to fertilise your soil this summer season. Plus, a B&Q gadget that will elevate your lawn for just £8.50. A 30p food item can also help to keep your garden nourished this summer.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Why you should be putting VINEGAR on your leftovers & it could actually make your food taste better too
It helps stop harmful microorganisms such as Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli, and Salmonella thriving on the food TANG-FASTIC TIP Why you should be putting VINEGAR on your leftovers & it could actually make your food taste better too Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) USING leftovers for a meal the next day is a brilliant way to save on money. But there's a clever way people are making theirs last twice as long, using a staple you've probably already got in your kitchen cupboard - vinegar. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 There's a nifty way you can make your leftover food last twice as long Credit: Getty 2 Adding apple cider vinegar works to prevent bacteria and mould growing on your food, and can even add a nice "tang", the experts said Credit: Getty While white vinegar is commonly used for cleaning purposes, it also works really well for preserving food. "When added in small amounts to cooked dishes, sauces or marinades, it can help limit the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause food to spoil prematurely," the pros at kitchen and bathroom company Plumbworld explained. As well as white vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar as a preservative - with bottles of the liquid selling for as little as £2.07 in local stores. The reason vinegar works so well is because it contains acetic acid, which helps lower the pH level of food - creating an environment in which bacteria and mould struggles to survive. Read more Food Hack stories PRETTY FRY My fail-safe food hacks mean I can whip up meals in the air fryer in minutes Most notably, this includes harmful microorganisms such as Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli, and Salmonella. 'The acid in vinegar makes it harder for bacteria to multiply," the experts added. "It is a simple kitchen tool that can boost the safety of your leftovers without complicated steps." Each vinegar type has its own level of acidity - white and apple cider vinegars have about 5% acetic acid, which is "strong enough to offer mild preservation benefits without making your food taste too sharp". To try it yourself, add a teaspoon of vinegar to sauces and dressings before storing, while a splash is sufficient for cooked vegetables. "A splash of white vinegar added to leftover soup or pasta sauce before chilling can help extend freshness without noticeably affecting the flavour," they continued. I made a weeks worth of sandwiches for just 30p - my hack means I have my lunch sorted whenever I need it, people think it's revolting but it saves me money "With grains like rice or quinoa, mixing in a little vinegar-based dressing can discourage microbial growth while adding a subtle tang." Keep your leftovers in an airtight container too - as this helps limit oxygen, whilst the vinegar slows down bacteria growth. It's important to remember, however, that while vinegar helps slow down spoilage, it doesn't make food immortal. Leftovers should be eaten within three to four days, and should be put promptly into a fridge with a temperature of below 5 °C. Fridge or cupboard? The essential food storage guide Foods must be stored correctly to keep them fresh and prevent the spread of bacteria. Nutrition expert Birgit Brendel said bread will last longer when stored in the fridge or freezer. However, this can compromise the flavour. Storing in ceramic or pottery containers is an alternative that allows for air to flow easily and slow the growth of mould. Robert Morris, managing director of food safety consultants, Complete Food Safety, revealed the best place to store fresh fruit and vegetables. He said salad foods should be stored in the fridge drawer, but away from anything grown in the soil such as carrots, parsnips and beetroot. Tomatoes are an exception to the rule as fridges can alter the natural ripening process and diminish their taste. He also advised against putting avocados and bananas in the fridge as this will cause them to blacken quicker. "It is also important not to rely on vinegar as a substitute for basic food safety — such as reheating thoroughly, cooling cooked food quickly, and never leaving leftovers out at room temperature for more than two hours," they added. "These practices work alongside vinegar's preserving power — not in place of it. "Vinegar is a helpful tool, but not a magic cure — good hygiene and proper refrigeration are still essential."
