For years, research has shown that eating packaged products – such as some breakfast cereals, snack bars, frozen meals, and most packaged sweets, along with other items – is linked to poor health outcomes, like an increased risk of Diabetes, obesity, and Cancer.

In addition, more recent studies have shown that highly processed foods are linked to Depression and Anxiety. And a few studies have suggested a link between eating ultraprocessed food and increased risk of cognitive decline, according to an article in The New York Times.

To avoid ultraprocessed food, read labels on food. Don’t buy packaged food with a long list of ingredients that you don’t recognize. Look for ingredients on labels that are like the items you use in your kitchen.

Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. For convenience foods, use items such as canned beans, frozen vegetables, precooked brown rice, and canned fish.

Seventy percent of packaged foods sold in the United States are ultraprocessed, according to the article. They’re increasingly edging out healthier foods in people’s diets.

Reading labels and making healthier food choices can help you avoid chronic illnesses, including – according to recent research – cognitive decline. Start working on this today if you’ve been buying a lot of ultraprocessed food.