Food processing influences metabolism and brain activity

Automated excerpt

Researchers exploring that question were surprised to find that minimally and highly processed meals nutritionally matched on calories, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, water, salt, and weight produced distinct metabolic responses. The results suggest that food processing may affect how the body and brain respond to food in ways that go beyond carbohydrates, fat, and protein — potentially helping researchers understand why ultraprocessed foods have been associated with overconsumption and long-term health effects and pointing to new areas for research. On a separate day, participants viewed pictures of nutritionally matched highly and minimally processed foods while undergoing functional MRI.

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