Eating Ultra-processed Food Can Make You Prone To 32 Diseases
A comprehensive study suggests that regular consumption of ultra-processed foods may heighten the risk of developing 32 diseases, spanning from cancer and heart conditions to lung ailments, mental health disorders, and premature death.
According to a large study, regular consumption of ultra-processed foods may elevate the risk of developing 32 diseases, including cancer, heart and lung conditions, mental health disorders, and premature death.
Ultra-processed foods, which encompass packaged baked goods and snacks, sugary cereals, fizzy drinks, and ready-to-eat or heat products, undergo extensive industrial processing and commonly contain additives such as colors, emulsifiers, and flavors. These products typically have high levels of added sugar, fat, and/or salt, while being low in essential nutrients like vitamins and fiber.
An international team of researchers from Australia, the US, France, and Ireland discovered compelling evidence indicating that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was linked to various health risks. According to a report by Medical Daily, this included a roughly 50 percent increased risk of cardiovascular disease-related death, a 48-53 percent higher risk of anxiety and common mental disorders, and a 12 percent greater risk of type 2 diabetes.
The findings, published in The BMJ, are derived from an umbrella review, which provides a high-level summary of evidence, encompassing 45 distinct pooled meta-analyses from 14 review articles involving nearly 10 million participants.
It’s notable that none of the studies included in the research were funded by companies involved in the production of ultra-processed foods.
The team also uncovered evidence indicating that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with various health risks. This included a 21 percent greater risk of death from any cause, a 40-66 percent increased risk of heart disease-related death, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and sleep problems, as well as a 22 percent increased risk of depression.
Melissa M. Lane, associate research fellow at Deakin University, Australia, commented, “These findings underscore the need for urgent mechanistic research and public health interventions aimed at reducing and mitigating the consumption of ultra-processed foods for the betterment of population health.”
In a linked editorial, researchers emphasized that ultra-processed foods not only harm health but also shorten life expectancy. They called for the implementation of public policies and actions targeting these foods.
Their recommendations included measures such as front-of-pack labeling, restrictions on advertising, prohibition of sales in or near schools and hospitals, and fiscal policies aimed at making unprocessed or minimally processed foods and freshly prepared meals more accessible and affordable than ultra-processed foods.
