A new study has found that modern diets, which rely on processed and ready-made foods such as nuggets, chicken pieces, and sausages, can lead to early death. According to the British newspaper "Daily Express," a 30-year study conducted by Harvard University tracked over 114,000 adults to examine the long-term consequences of these diets.
The study revealed that the highest risks were associated with meats like pork and sausages, where regular consumers were 13% more likely to die over a span of 34 years. Additionally, those following a diet high in sugary and artificially sweetened drinks were 9% more likely to die. Simultaneously, individuals consuming packaged goods and snacks had a 4% increased likelihood of death, known to be linked to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and bowel cancer.
The study was characterized by long-term follow-up of cases and examined the overall mortality of the participating individuals, also exploring the impact of various ultra-processed foods, as reported by "The Telegraph." It found that dairy desserts such as cheesecake and French cheese were associated with a 6% increase in mortality, while bread and breakfast cereals raised the likelihood by 4%.
The research followed 74,563 nurses and 39,501 male healthcare workers between 1984 and 2018, with participants' ages ranging from 30 to 55 for women and 40 to 75 for men at the start of the study. Participants provided information on their health habits and lifestyle biennially, with detailed food information every four years.
During the report's coverage period, researchers identified 48,193 deaths due to cancer, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. They found that individuals who consumed large quantities of ultra-processed foods—up to 7 servings per day—were 4% more at risk than those who consumed less. Ultra-processed foods include packaged baked goods, sugary cereals, soft drinks, and ready-to-eat or heat products, often containing colorants, emulsifiers, flavorings, and additives. These foods are typically high in energy, added sugars, saturated fats, and salt, but low in vitamins and fiber.
