Ultra-processed foods linked to risk of dangerous diseases

Every additional 100 grams of ultra-processed foods per day has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Scientists came to this conclusion based on the results of a major analysis. The study was published in the journal Family Medicine and Community Health (FMCH).

The authors pooled results from 51 studies involving more than 8.8 million people. Their health monitoring lasted from two to 32 years.

The researchers concluded that high consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a 24 percent increased risk of heart disease, 12 percent increased risk of cancer, 23 percent increased risk of obesity and overweight, and 24 percent increased risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The risk of digestive diseases was 31 percent higher and the risk of death from any cause was 18 percent higher.

However, each additional 100 grams of such food per day was associated with an increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease by 14 percent, cancer by 4 percent, diabetes and metabolic syndrome by 2 percent, and death from any cause by 3 percent.

Ultra-processed foods include foods that have undergone intensive industrial processing and often contain a lot of salt, sugar and various additives. The authors note that the study shows a statistical relationship and does not prove that these foods directly cause disease.