What Are Ultra-Processed Foods: Can They Affect Your Mental Health?

What are ultra processed foods? While fast food might seem enticing, you might think twice after learning the link between food and mental health.

By Carla Delgado
Nov 8, 2023 2:00 PMNov 8, 2023 3:00 PM
Fast food, link between food and mental health
(Credit: Alena Haurylik/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

More often than not, a trip to the grocery store ends up with the purchase of packaged snacks, sugar-sweetened beverages, or reconstituted meat products, also known as ultra-processed foods. These foods make up more than 70 percent of the packaged foods in the U.S. and represent about 60 percent of the calories consumed by the average American.

Extensive research has already indicated how detrimental ultra-processed foods are to your physical health — but what about your mental health?

What Are Ultra Processed Foods?

Ultra-processed foods are popular because they’re convenient, ready to eat, and usually less expensive than other foods. However, they tend to be high in added sugar, salt and saturated fat, not to mention the processing depletes the food’s nutritional value.

Ultra Processed Foods vs. Processed Foods

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.