May 27, CLS -- Individuals who consume excessive amounts of ultra-processed foods, such as soft drinks, potato chips and cookies, may have a higher risk of stroke and dementia than those who consume fewer of them, according to a new study published in the online edition of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Ultra-processed foods are higher in sugar, fat and salt and lower in protein and fiber. Soft drinks, salty and sugary snacks, ice cream, burgers, canned baked beans, ketchup, mayonnaise, and packaged bread are all ultra-processed foods. Foods that are unprocessed or lightly processed cover a wide range of meats - such as beef, pork and chicken that have been simply cut - as well as fresh vegetables and fruits.

The researchers emphasized that although the present investigation could not directly confirm that consumption of ultra-processed foods is a direct cause of memory impairment, thinking problems or stroke, the findings suggest a correlation between the intake of ultra-processed foods and these health problems.