Ultra-processed foods often contain ingredients you won’t find in your kitchen, such as dyes, sweeteners, and preservatives. Many studies warn of the potential harm these products can cause to your health. Regular consumption of certain ultra-processed foods is thought to increase the risk of cancer, anxiety, high blood pressure, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cardiovascular disease.
But according to a new study by American researchers, two products in particular are linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease or cardiovascular disease.
“A constant negative association”
The team analyzed data collected from questionnaires completed by nearly 207,000 nurses and other health professionals. The authors asked participants about their health and diet every two to four years. Foods were categorized into four groups: unprocessed/minimally processed, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods, and ultra-processed foods. These were then divided into 10 subgroups based on their nutritional composition.
According to the results, published in the journal The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, Sugary drinks and processed meats are the two products associated with the highest risk. Cold cuts, bacon, sausages, and soft drinks should therefore be avoided or limited as much as possible to preserve our health.
Study author Kenny Mendoza, from the Chan School of Public Health in Boston, US, said: “This study suggests a negative role of ultra-processed food consumption in the risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke. Specifically, our results suggest that soft drinks and processed meats should be discouraged, given their consistent negative association with cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke.”
Not all ultra-processed foods are created equal
In contrast, researchers found inverse links for cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease risks with certain products such as yogurts, some dairy desserts and salty snacks.
People who ate more ultra-processed bread and breakfast cereals were also less likely to suffer a stroke. This could be due to the higher fibre content of some of these foods, or the fact that they are often fortified with vitamins, the scientists said.
They added: “Ultra-processed foods are high in energy and added sugars, saturated fats and sodium, which are recognized risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Reducing the sodium, saturated fats, added sugars and non-essential cosmetic additives in whole-grain breads, cereals and some salty snacks can improve the nutritional value of these products.”
Source: www.topsante.com
