logo
Ultra-processed food vs Mental Health

Ultra-processed food vs Mental Health

Yet another concerning effect of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption has come to light — and this time, it's not just about physical health. A recent study published in the journal Food Science & Nutrition has revealed a strong connection between UPF consumption, addictive eating patterns, and psychological distress, including anxiety, tension, and low mood. Experts decode the findings for CE, explaining why UPFs may be as emotionally harmful as they are nutritionally questionable.
Ultra-processed foods have long been criticised for their poor nutritional value. Now, new evidence shows their impact runs deeper. Sujatha Stephen, RD, chief nutritionist at Yashoda Hospitals, Malakpet, points to the study conducted in Ankara, Turkey, involving nearly 4,000 adults. 'The research revealed a significant association between high UPF intake and emotional states like depression, anxiety, and stress, along with addictive eating behaviours,' she said. 'It suggests that UPF consumption may not be a mere dietary choice, but rather a coping mechanism for managing emotional discomfort,' she added.
Sujatha explains that this coping mechanism is amplified by the way these foods are designed. Rich in sugar, salt, and fat — and engineered to be hyper-palatable — UPFs activate the brain's reward systems, providing temporary emotional relief. 'Those with higher scores on the Yale Food Addiction Scale also reported greater UPF consumption,' she explained, adding, 'Emotional states like depression and anxiety were positively correlated with UPF intake, further reinforcing the idea that distress can lead to overconsumption.'
The study also revealed notable demographic patterns. Younger individuals, women, single people, and those not currently employed were more likely to consume high levels of UPFs. 'These groups may be more vulnerable due to lifestyle stressors and limited access to healthier alternatives,' she observed. This underscores the need for a multidimensional approach that combines nutritional guidance, mental health support, and community-level interventions.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Health & hygiene prog expands to 263 blocks
Health & hygiene prog expands to 263 blocks

Time of India

timea day ago

  • Time of India

Health & hygiene prog expands to 263 blocks

Ranchi: The Food Nutrition Health and Wash initiative, which started in just four blocks in 2014, has now expanded its coverage to 263 blocks across the state in 2025, underscoring the growing role of women's collectives in grassroots health and sanitation initiatives. T his figure was highlighted during a two-day regional workshop on "Towards a Healthy Future: Food, Nutrition, Health and Wash (FNHW)" which concluded on Wednesday. Jointly hosted by the ministry of rural development (MoRD) and the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS), the workshop brought together delegates and officials from 14 states including Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana and others. On the occasion, minister Deepika Pandey Singh said, "The 3.2 million rural women associated with SHGs in the state are becoming the real agents of change in villages. Women's health is not just a social indicator but a mirror of economic development." Pandey emphasised empowering women through schemes like Sarvajan Pension Yojana, Maiyyan Samman Yojana, and Abua Awas, implemented at scale via women's groups. The minister called for integrated efforts among schemes like MGNREGA, Jal Jeevan Mission, Anganwadi Services, and Panchayats to maximise the impact on health, nutrition, and sanitation. Deputy secretary of MoRD, Monika, discussed innovative approaches such as nutrition gardens, peer counselling, the Jashn initiative, and documentation techniques, offering insights for better programme implementation at the state level. Joint secretary, MoRD, Smriti Sharan, said, "Nearly 2,00,000 FNHW cadres are now active across the country, with Jharkhand making significant strides. Participants undertook field visits to 14 districts to observe model interventions which would help replicate impactful practices across states." Secretary, rural development department, K Sreenivasan, said, "Key initiatives such as Phulo-Jhano Ashirwad Yojana, Dakiya Yojana (for doorstep delivery of rations to PVTGs), and Johar Project, are helping transform women's lives."

Beware, coffee lovers! New study reveals this common brew may cause incurable blindness
Beware, coffee lovers! New study reveals this common brew may cause incurable blindness

Mint

time09-07-2025

  • Mint

Beware, coffee lovers! New study reveals this common brew may cause incurable blindness

Love coffee? If your day doesn't start without a steaming cup of coffee, you might want to take a closer look at what's in your mug. A new study has revealed the danger of consuming a commonly consumed type of coffee, linking it to an increased risk of blindness among those who drink coffee regularly. The study, published in the journal Food Science & Nutrition, mentions that instant coffees can increase your risk of getting age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by 700 per cent. AMD is the leading cause of blindness. And it is incurable. The study mentions that the results showed a genetic correlation between those who consume instant coffees and dry AMD. In fact, with every increase in instant coffee intake, the risk of getting dry AMD was nearly seven times higher. 'Our results revealed a genetic correlation between instant coffee consumption and dry AMD, with each standard deviation (SD) increase in instant coffee intake associated with a corresponding odds ratio (OR) of approximately 6.92 for dry AMD, indicating a 6.92-fold increased risk,' the study says. 'Instant coffee may increase the risk of AMD, and reducing its intake could help prevent dry AMD.' The study further suggests that people who are at high risk for AMD should avoid instant coffee. Also Read | Smart espresso machine craze: Is India ready for connected coffee? The journal explains that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease and one of the 'leading causes of irreversible blindness'. There are two types of AMD: wet AMD and dry AMD. Dry AMD: The most common type of AMD has no exact cause. According to Johns Hopkins, the 'loss of vision in this condition is usually slow and gradual'. Wet AMD: Though this type is less common, it usually leads to more severe vision loss in patients than dry AMD, Johns Hopkins says. It is the most common cause of severe loss of vision. 'Wet AMD happens when abnormal blood vessels start to grow beneath the retina. They leak fluid and blood – hence the name wet AMD – and can create a large blind spot in the centre of the visual field,' it said.

Beware coffee lovers! New study reveals this type of common brew can make you blind. And it's incurable
Beware coffee lovers! New study reveals this type of common brew can make you blind. And it's incurable

Mint

time09-07-2025

  • Mint

Beware coffee lovers! New study reveals this type of common brew can make you blind. And it's incurable

Love coffee? If your day doesn't start without a steaming cup of coffee, you might want to take a closer look at what's in your mug. A new study has revealed the danger of consuming a commonly consumed type of coffee, linking it to an increased risk of blindness among those who drink coffee regularly. The study, published in the journal Food Science & Nutrition, mentions that instant coffees can increase your risk of getting age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by 700 per cent. AMD is the leading cause of blindness. And it is incurable! The study mentions that the results showed a genetic correlation between those who consume instant coffees and dry AMD. In fact, with every increase in instant coffee intake, the risk of getting dry AMD was nearly seven times higher. 'Our results revealed a genetic correlation between instant coffee consumption and dry AMD, with each standard deviation (SD) increase in instant coffee intake associated with a corresponding odds ratio (OR) of approximately 6.92 for dry AMD, indicating a 6.92-fold increased risk,' the study says. 'Instant coffee may increase the risk of AMD, and reducing its intake could help prevent dry AMD.' It further suggests that people who are at high-risk for AMD should avoid instant coffee. The journal explains that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease and one of the 'leading causes of irreversible blindness'. There are two types of AMD: wet AMD and dry AMD. Dry AMD: The most common type of AMD has no exact cause. According to John Hopkins, the 'loss of vision in this condition is usually slow and gradual.' Wet AMD: Though this type is less common, it usually leads to more severe vision loss in patients than dry AMD, John Hopkins says. It is the most common cause of severe loss of vision. 'Wet AMD happens when abnormal blood vessels start to grow beneath the retina. They leak fluid and blood – hence the name wet AMD – and can create a large blind spot in the center of the visual field,' it said. Blurry or fuzzy vision Straight lines appear wavy A dark, empty area or blind spot appears in the center of vision Loss of central vision Dr. Siwei Liu, a researcher in the Department of Ophthalmology at Shiyan Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, China, told Medical News Today, "This genetic overlap suggests that there may be shared biological pathways or metabolic mechanisms connecting the preference for instant coffee with the risk of developing dry AMD.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store