ArcaMax

You are committed to eating a plant-based Mediterranean-style diet. You make sure good-for-you extra-virgin olive oil, fresh veggies and fruits, lean proteins, fatty fish and 100% whole grains are on your plate. But you do love that snack pack of chips. And who can resist having a few cookies while watching late-night TV? What harm could it do?

Plenty, according to a new study in Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring. Researchers looked at data on dementia-free adults, age 40-70, and found that adding just 5 ounces of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) such as chips, candy bars, frozen meals, sugary cereals, or soda a day to a healthy Med-style diet harmed folks' ability to focus and increased their risk for dementia by 10%. (Just 10 ounces of UPFs daily upped the risk by 20%, and so on.)

The bottom line: The overall good quality of your diet can't counter the harm that the nutritional deficiencies, added sugar, and unnatural additives in UPFs do to your brain -- and body.

I know it's a challenge to avoid ultra-processed foods, but you can do it. Start with a grocery shopping plan -- and a list -- that focuses your purchases on preparing healthy meals and healthy snacks (they do exist!). Only buy what's on the list! And learn how you can get your taste thrills from a wide world of spices, herbs and healthy sauces. My "What to Eat When Cookbook" can help with that. Want more support? Join the AI nutritional coaching program at 4YOUngevity.com.

Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.

(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.