The team of researchers from Australia, the US, France, and Ireland found convincing evidence that higher ultra-processed food intake was associated with around a 50 per cent increased risk of cardiovascular disease-related death, a 48-53 per cent higher risk of anxiety and common mental disorders, and a 12 per cent greater risk of type 2 diabetes.
The team also found evidence that indicates higher ultra-processed food intake was associated with a 21 per cent greater risk of death from any cause, a 40-66 per cent increased risk of heart disease-related death, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and sleep problems, and a 22 per cent increased risk of depression.
The diseases one pay attention to are:
The researchers found that greater exposure to ultra-processed foods was directly
associated with higher risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, depressive outcomes, adverse sleep related problems, wheezing, cancer, gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn’s disease, and obesity.
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As per the study, heavy consumption of ultra processed foods increases risk of breast cancer, central nervous system tumours, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer.
What are ultra-processed foods?
Ultra-processed foods are products created through industrial methods and often contain additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. They typically undergo multiple processes such as extrusion, hydrogenation, and high-temperature cooking. Examples include sugary snacks, packaged baked goods, fast food, sugary drinks, and ready-to-eat meals. These foods are typically low in essential nutrients and fiber but high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt. Regular consumption of ultra-processed foods has been linked to various health issues, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Ultra-processed foods undergo multiple industrial processes and often contain colours, emulsifiers, flavours, and other additives. These products also tend to be high in added sugar, fat, and/or salt, but are low in vitamins and fibre.
“Public policies and actions are essential”
“Therefore, public policies and actions are essential,” the researchers have said. These include national dietary guidelines that recommend varieties of unprocessed or minimally processed foods and freshly prepared meals and avoidance of ultra-processed foods19; institutional food procurement that aligns with these guidelines; front-of-pack labels that clearly identify ultra-processed foods; restricting advertising and prohibiting sales in or near schools and hospitals; and fiscal measures that make unprocessed or minimally processed foods and freshly prepared meals as accessible and available as, and cheaper than, ultra-processed foods, the researchers have said.