Processed foods are indeed attractive to some people. As the name implies, this food has gone through a process of processing, which makes them delicious and practical for consumption. Unfortunately, the effect of consuming processed foods is not as delicious as it tastes. Processed foods are considered to have a negative effect on the body if consumed in excess.

Processed foods are known for their high sugar, fat, and salt content. Also, most processed foods also contain Propionic Acid (PPA), which is used to increase the shelf life of food and inhibit fungal growth. In a recent study conducted by the University of Central Florida, high acid content in pregnant women who consumed excessive amount of processed foods can cause molecular changes in the fetus, which increase the risk of autism.

In their study, the researchers found that the high content of PPA can damage brain cells in several ways. First, acid can disrupt the balance of brain cells by reducing the number of neurons and increasing glia cell production. Glia cells may help to maintain the development and protect the neuron function. Excessive glia cell production can interfere with neuron and cause inflammation, which is one of the common symptoms in cases of autism in children.

Excessive acid content can also shorten and damage the pathways that neurons use to communicate with the body. This, of course, can inhibit the brain's ability to communicate, thus resulting in mobility problems and limitations in interacting. Both of these symptoms are also often found in cases of childhood autism.

The researchers further explained that PPA itself could be found naturally in the intestine, but consuming processed foods can increase the acid content. In the case of pregnant women, it is possible that the acid can enter and affect the fetus.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photo from Google Search Images

Source(s):

• Abdelli, L.S., Samsam, A., and Naser, S.A., (2019). Propionic Acid Induces Gliosis and Neuro-inflammation through Modulation of PTEN / AKT Pathway in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Scientific Reports, DOI: 10.1038 / s41598-019-45348-z.
• Science Daily - Processed foods and effects on developing fetus' brain: Autism link (2019). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/06/190620121415.htm, 26 June 2019.