Ultraprocessed foods linked to 50% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and developing other health conditions
Eating Ultraprocessed Foods Linked to Numerous Health Risks #
A recent review of 45 meta-analyses on nearly 10 million individuals found that consuming ultraprocessed foods increases the risk of developing or dying from various health conditions. The review showed consistent evidence linking higher consumption of ultraprocessed foods to a range of health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease-related death, common mental disorders, anxiety, early death, obesity, sleep disorders, and type 2 diabetes. However, evidence is limited for associations with asthma, gastrointestinal health, and certain cancer types. Experts suggest reading product labels, choosing less processed alternatives, adding fresh fruits and vegetables to the diet, and avoiding sugar-sweetened beverages. They also recommend opting for local restaurants over fast-food chains when eating out.