Fan of breakfast cereals, processed microwave meals and ice-creams? Ultra-processed foods may be putting you at risk of early death. Two recent studies have linked these meals to higher risk of stroke, heart attack and early death. They have also linked factory made meals to higher risk of cancer, high BP and obesity.
The first study, published in the British Medical Journal, studied the diet of over 105,000 people in France over five years.
The Heart Connect
People who consumed more ultra-processed foods were at a higher risk of cardiovascular problems. The risks were proportional to how much ultra processed foods they were eating.
The authors have suggested authorities spread the message of reducing intake of processed foods, and encourage intake of more freshly cooked meals.
The second study, also published in the BMJ, studied the eating habits of around 20,000 Spaniards from 1999 to 2014. Those who consumed more than four servings of ultra-processed food were 62% more likely to have died of cardiovascular issues than those who had less than two portions a day.
What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?
Ultra-processed foods have little or no or little whole foods, contain preservatives and are ready to heat, drink or eat. These include canned vegetables, canned fish, smoked meats, cheese, sodas, chips, flavoured candies, ice-creams etc.
The advice then is to eat fresh foods, vegetables and fruits. Cut down on your consumption of ultra-processed foods to the minimal.
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