Ultra-processed food vs Mental Health
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Conference in Hyderabad focuses on bridging surgical practices and patient outcomes
A national-level academic conference aiming to bridge the gap between innovative surgical practices and real-world patient outcomes in GI oncology, particularly cancers of the stomach and oesophagus, was held in Hyderabad on Saturday (July 26). The conference titled 'GI FOCUS' hosted by Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad featured a series of expert-led sessions covering advanced surgical strategies, multidisciplinary treatment planning and mentorship-focused dialogues intended to connect seasoned specialists with younger surgeons. Discussions at the conference highlighted the evolving landscape of upper GI cancer treatment, with an emphasis on patient-centric innovation and structured clinical education. Drawing over 500 surgeons from across India, including specialists in surgical gastroenterology, surgical oncology and general surgery, the event served as a specialised platform to explore practical, surgical and evidence-based approaches to GI cancer care. 'With a focus on patient outcomes, innovation, and structured education, the GI team continues to set new benchmarks in digestive cancer care. We are committed to creating platforms that elevate surgical education, support collaborative learning and ultimately improve patient outcomes,' said Dr. G.S. Rao, Managing Director of Yashoda Group of Hospitals.
Time of India
4 days 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."
Mint
09-07-2025
- 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.
