Foreign researchers have confirmed that the presence of a number of highly processed foods in the diet is associated with significant health risks. Such foods, when consumed regularly, increase the likelihood of developing cancer and heart disease, taking away years of life.
According to Pronews.gr, citing specialists from the Department of Epidemiology and Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, the risk of premature death is associated with regular consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, dairy desserts, baked goods with a long shelf life and ultra-processed breakfast cereals.
The study found that those who ate the most highly processed foods (an average of seven servings per day) had a 4% higher risk of premature death overall, compared with those who ate no processed foods.
Ultra-processed foods tend to contain saturated fat or added sugar, experts explained. Often one product contains both. However, in addition to fat and sugar, such food also contains other additives – dyes, emulsifiers, flavors and stabilizers. The combination of a lot of additives is worse than simple sugar or fat.
Researchers say there is growing evidence that these foods increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and bowel cancer.
It is noted that as part of the work, researchers tracked health indicators of more than 74 thousand women and almost 40 thousand men.
Experts pointed out another point: eating enough unprocessed food can offset the harmful effects of the above-mentioned ultra-processed foods. However, health risks are most significantly reduced when you abandon the latter.
