Health Concerns Rise: Food Preservatives, Diet, and Obesity Linked to Cancer and Dementia

New research released this week has raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with common food preservatives, dietary choices, and obesity. Studies suggest links between certain food additives and cancer, specific types of carbohydrates and dementia risk, and obesity and high blood pressure as direct causes of dementia.

A large French study, published by BMJ Group, tracked over 100,000 people for more than a decade and found that higher consumption of certain food preservatives commonly found in processed foods and drinks was linked to a modestly higher cancer risk. According to the study, several widely used preservatives, including potassium sorbate, sulfites, sodium nitrite, and potassium nitrate, were tied to increased risks of overall cancer and specific types such as breast and prostate cancer.

Meanwhile, research from Universitat Rovira i Virgili indicates that the type of carbohydrates consumed may influence the risk of dementia. The study found that diets high in fast-acting carbs that rapidly raise blood sugar were linked to a higher risk of dementia. Conversely, individuals who consumed more low-glycemic foods like fruit, legumes, and whole grains had a noticeably lower risk of Alzheimer's. The researchers concluded that the quality of carbohydrates, not just the amount, appears to matter for brain health.

Adding to the concerns, a new genetic study from The Endocrine Society suggests that obesity and high blood pressure may play a direct role in causing dementia, not just increasing the risk. By analyzing data from large populations in Denmark and the U.K., researchers found strong evidence that higher body weight can damage brain health over time, especially when it leads to elevated blood pressure. The study indicated that much of the dementia risk appeared to be tied to vascular damage in the brain, which affects blood flow and cognitive function. The findings highlight weight and blood pressure control as potentially powerful tools for preventing dementia before symptoms appear.