A study revealed today, Tuesday, that ultra-processed foods increase the risk of premature death. Ultra-processed foods are those produced using industrial techniques, including juices, chocolates, soft drinks, ice cream, packaged soups, french fries, and frozen meals. According to the study, a new review of 45 analyses involving nearly 10 million people found that consuming ultra-processed foods raises the risk of death.
The study stated that "there is compelling evidence that consuming large amounts of ultra-processed foods compared to reducing their intake may increase the risk of anxiety by up to 53% and the risk of premature death from any cause by 20%." The lead author of the study, Melissa Lin, noted that "strong evidence shows that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with nearly a 50% increase in the risk of death related to cardiovascular diseases and common mental disorders."
Fang Fang Chang, a cancer epidemiologist, assistant professor, and head of the Department of Nutritional Epidemiology and Data Science, explained that "ultra-processed foods are high in calories, added sugars, and sodium, and low in fiber, all of which are known factors contributing to cardiovascular health outcomes, weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure."
Researchers found very strong evidence that increased consumption of ultra-processed foods raises the risk of obesity by 55%, sleep disorders by 41%, type 2 diabetes by 40%, and depression by 20%. The study found only suggestive evidence of a relationship between ultra-processed foods and cancer.
