Library.

“Ultra-processed foods that are high in refined sugars and refined carbohydrates cause spikes in blood glucose levels after eating.”

The core statement is supported: foods high in refined sugars and refined carbohydrates commonly produce faster, higher post-meal blood glucose rises. That applies to many ultra-processed products in that specific subgroup. The important caveat is that ultra-processing alone does not determine glycemic impact; the main driver is the type and amount of carbohydrate, along with the rest of the meal.

“Ultra-processed foods account for the majority of calories consumed by American adults as of March 2026.”

The claim is well-supported. A 2025 CDC report found American adults consumed 53% of their calories from ultra-processed foods during 2021–2023, and peer-reviewed research consistently places the figure above 50%. However, the most recent primary data doesn't extend to March 2026 specifically — it's an extrapolation from a 2021–2023 survey window. No evidence suggests the trend has reversed below the majority threshold, but the "as of March 2026" framing implies more current measurement than exists.

“Regular consumption of ultra-processed foods significantly increases the risk of developing dementia.”

There is a real association between high ultra-processed food intake and dementia risk in several large observational studies and meta-analyses (pooled RR ≈1.44). However, the claim overstates the evidence in key ways: the underlying studies are observational (not proving causation), the pooled estimate has extreme statistical heterogeneity (I²≈97%), newer studies find no association for total UPF intake, and "regular consumption" is vaguer than the "high vs. low" comparisons actually studied. The link is plausible but not as settled or causal as the claim implies.

“Consumption of processed food causes insulin resistance.”

The claim is directionally accurate but overstated. Multiple peer-reviewed studies, mechanistic reviews, and clinical guidance consistently link ultra-processed food consumption to insulin resistance markers. However, most evidence uses associative language ("linked to," "associated with"), not definitive causal proof. Key confounders — obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and overall diet quality — remain inadequately separated from the independent effect of processing. The claim also says "processed food" broadly, while the evidence specifically addresses "ultra-processed foods," a narrower category. The relationship is strong and biologically plausible, but the word "causes" goes beyond what current science has firmly established.