The British medical journal published two new, large-scale studies examining people in the United States and Italy who ate a lot of ultra-processed foods, which may lead to colorectal cancer, heart disease, and early death for men and women alike.
There are many ultra-processed foods, such as soups, sauces, frozen pizzas, snacks, store-bought cookies, cakes, candies, doughnuts, and ice cream.
Marion Nestle, the Paulette Goddard professor, emerita of nutrition, said, “Literally hundreds of studies link ultra-processed foods to obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and overall mortality.” Nestle, who was not involved in either study, said ultra-processed foods are unambiguously associated with chronic disease.
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An Association With Cancer
Ultra-processed foods are linked to colorectal cancer in men but not women, according to a US study examining diets of over 200,000 men and women for up to 28 years. Several studies have linked processed and ultra-processed meats with bowel cancer in both men and women, including ham, bacon, salami, hotdogs, beef jerky, and corned beef.
Authentic Foods Are Unreal
Is ultra-processed food terrible for us? Zhang told CNN that they are “ready-to-eat-or-heat industrial formulations made with ingredients extracted from foods or synthesized in laboratories, with little or no whole foods.”
Mendelsohn said, “We recommend avoiding ultra-processed foods completely and instead focusing on unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and legumes.” chemical additives, such as artificial colors, flavors, or stabilizers, are often present in these foods that have been overly processed. Sugars and salt are frequently added to these foods, while fiber is rare.
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The Effects Of Ultra-Processed Foods On Mental Health
People who consume the most ultra-processed foods are significantly more likely to suffer mild depression and be mentally unhealthy and anxious. Ultra-processed foods are associated with adverse mental health outcomes because their biologically active food additives and low essential nutrients are present.
Conclusion
To achieve optimum health, you should make 85% of your diet nutrient-dense, and the remaining 15% should be considered your allowance for everything else. Consuming less ultra-processed foods may benefit your general health.