Most of us already know junk food isn’t great for our health. But a new study shows that ultra-processed foods might do more damage — and faster — than we ever thought.
At The Health Insider, we help you make smart food choices for better energy, better health, and longer life. That’s why this study caught our attention.
What the Study Found
A group of scientists from the Helmholtz Center in Munich and the University of Tübingen studied how ultra-processed foods affect the brain and body. They worked with 29 healthy young men, ages 19 to 27.
Half the group ate their usual meals. The other half was asked to add about 1,500 extra calories a day — all from ultra-processed snacks like chips, candy, and sugary baked goods — for five days straight.
After just five days, researchers saw big changes in their brains and bodies:
Unhealthy reward patterns. The participants became less sensitive to reward signals in the brain. In other words, their brains started to want more junk food — even when they weren’t hungry.
More fat in the liver. The men who ate the extra ultra-processed foods had a big jump in liver fat, which can raise the risk of fatty liver disease.
Changes in the brain. Their brains didn’t respond to insulin as well as before. That’s a problem, because insulin helps regulate hunger and blood sugar. Poor insulin response is a sign that the body is heading toward obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The Changes Didn’t Go Away Right Away
Even a week after the men went back to normal eating, the effects didn’t fully disappear. The researchers believe that short-term bingeing on ultra-processed foods could actually rewire the brain and lead to long-term health issues.
Why This Matters
Ultra-processed foods are everywhere — from vending machines and drive-throughs to energy bars and frozen meals. So much so, that in Canada, almost half of daily all calories come from ultra-processed foods, according to a 2020 Stats Canada study.
This means that almost half of the food consumed by Canadians has been significantly altered from its natural state, with additives, preservatives, and/or artificial colors added. In addition, about 75 per cent of the overall food supply in Canada is packaged and processed.
These “foods” are full of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients — and they make it harder for your brain and body to function properly. This study shows that even a few days of heavy junk food eating can start doing real damage, even if you’re young and healthy.
The Health Insider Bottom Line
Eating better isn’t just about weight. It’s about how food affects your brain, your energy, and your long-term health. This study is a powerful reminder that what you eat — even for just a few days — matters more than you might think.
~ Read more from The Health Insider ~
- Just 5 Days of Ultra-Processed Foods Can Rewire the Brain, Study Finds
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The information provided on TheHealthInsider.ca is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. TheHealthInsider.ca advises consulting a medical professional or healthcare provider when seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.
