The health implications of consuming ultra-processed foods (UPF) were highlighted in a recent study by Harvard University, which involved 1,14,000 participants and lasted for over 30 years.
Processed meats, poultry, seafood, sugary drinks, dairy-based desserts and highly processed breakfast foods are associated with a slightly higher death risk. the strongest connections.
Ultra-processed foods are foods that contain additives and ingredients not commonly found in the home kitchen, such as artificial sweeteners, colors and preservatives. These are foods that are high in saturated fat and lacking in nutrients and fiber.
A study published in the journal BMJ revealed alarming results: people who regularly ate ultra-processed meat were 13% more likely to die prematurely during the study period. Additionally, those with a diet high in sugar and artificially sweetened beverages had a 9% higher risk of premature death. Overall, diets rich in highly processed foods were associated with a 4% higher death rate. During an average follow-up period of 34 years, the researchers identified 48,193 deaths, including 13,557 deaths from cancer, 11,416 deaths from heart disease, 3,926 deaths from respiratory diseases and 6,343 deaths from neurodegenerative diseases.
The researchers concluded, “The findings provide support for limiting consumption of certain types of ultra-processed food for long term health. Future studies are warranted to improve the classification of ultra-processed foods and confirm our findings in other populations.”
Previous studies have linked UPFs to various health issues, such as cancer, mental illness, type 2 diabetes, and premature death.The average person in Western countries now consumes up to half of the daily intake of UPFs. Among young people and poor people, this share can rise to 80 percent.
To combat these trends, experts recommend focusing on unprocessed and minimally processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and unprocessed animal products such as eggs, fish and meat.
Approximately 30% of the typical British diet contains foods that are rich in essential nutrients, rather than being made with highly processed additives.This study underscores the importance of public health initiatives aimed at reducing reliance on highly processed foods to improve overall health and longevity.
