The list of health hazards associated with ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is getting longer and longer. From cardiovascular woes to cancer, Type 2 diabetes, wheezing, obesity, dementia, depression, and premature death, this nutrition-stripped fare is devastating the health of Americans and people around the globe.

Now there's another risk you're taking when you indulge yourself with UPFs.

A lab study in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity found that UPFs damaged rats’ amygdalae — a part the brain that has control over emotional memories, especially those associated with a dangerous experience. (People have an amygdala too). Older lab animals experienced more damage.

The researchers found that eating highly processed food for as little as three days was all it took to cause the damage.

The extreme lack of fiber in processed foods was what had a direct impact on the amygdala, and it didn't matter if the animal’s diet was high-fat, high-sugar, low-fat, or low-sugar.

The researchers added that this damage is particularly dangerous because remembering that something is risky helps avoid future trouble.

If you’re getting 53% or more of your calories from processed foods (that's the average for all ages in the U.S.), it's time to get back to what's best for you: natural, whole foods with no added sugar.

And make sure to avoid ingredients you can’t pronounce, as well as and red and processed red meats.

Learn to love healthy, tasty foods that love you back with my books "What to Eat When" and "The What to Eat When Cookbook."