Eating extra ultra-processed food linked to higher health risks

Eating an extra 100 grams of ultra-processed foods every day is linked to a 14% higher chance of heart events, according to a recent study. Researchers looked at data from 51 studies across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. These studies involved more than 88 lakh participants whose ages ranged from 23 to 77 years, with follow-ups lasting between 2 and 32 years. Ultra-processed foods are ready-to-eat or heat-and-serve items that go through heavy factory processing and lack fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals. High intake of these foods was also tied to other health problems, including a 24% higher risk of metabolic syndrome or diabetes, a 27% higher chance of depression and anxiety, and a 31% higher risk of digestive diseases. Other risks mentioned include a 12% higher chance of cancer, a 23% risk for obesity or overweight, an 11% higher chance of high blood pressure, and an 18% higher risk of death from any cause. The study also noted that a 10% increase in daily weight intake from these energy-dense, high-sugar, and high-salt products raises the risk of metabolic syndrome or diabetes by 16%. Researchers point out that food additives may cause a cocktail effect on health, while lab tests show that altered food structures can harm the gut microbiome and cause inflammation and insulin resistance. Harmful compounds like acrylamide and acrolein, formed during heating and processing, are also linked to heart disease. The study authors suggest that cutting down on ultra-processed foods and eating minimally processed options instead can help prevent chronic diseases.