Most people know that a nutritious diet promotes a wellness and healthy life, but navigating the wide range of options at your grocery store is really not always straightforward—especially when so many foods are promoted and advertised as healthy (but aren’t). So, it is very important to be aware of the potential dangers and risks of ultra-processed foods.
Dangers of ultra-processed foods, including their links to cancer and other health risks, and the need for reforming our food environment.
Discover the alarming risks of ultra-processed foods and how they can harm your health. Learn why you should be mindful of your food choices to reduce your risk of developing cancer and other health issues.
What are ultra-processed foods?
These are foods that have been heavily processed by manufacturers, often including the addition of additives to make them last longer, taste better and look more attractive. In contrast, minimally processed foods and unprocessed foods, like eggs, maintain their natural form throughout the production process.
So, what exactly ultra-processed foods are? According to a 2017 commentary published in the journal Public Health Nutrition, ultra-processed foods are “made mostly or entirely from substances derived from foods and additives.” These additives are ingredients that you wouldn’t normally use in home cooking, like preservatives, dyes, and non-sugar sweeteners. Ultra-processed foods can include a wide range of items that are easily found in your local grocery store, such as instant soup, packaged snacks, and certain meat products like sausages, burgers, and hot dogs.
But how do you know if a food is ultra-processed? Tim Spector, a professor in genetic epidemiology at King’s College London and author of Food for Life: The New Science of Eating Well, says that these foods tend to have a very long shelf life and at least 10 ingredients, many of which are unfamiliar or unpronounceable. In contrast, processed or minimally processed foods usually contain just two or three ingredients, like whole food plus salt, oil, or sugar, and have often been preserved, cooked, or fermented. Examples of these types of foods include canned fish, fruit in syrup, cheese, and fresh bread.
It’s important to note that not all ultra-processed foods are equally unhealthy. Fang Fang Zhang, chair of the division of nutrition epidemiology and data science at Tufts University, points out that whole grain, ultra-processed foods like some packaged bread can be an important source of fiber for many people. And researchers at Northeastern University have created a tool for comparing packaged foods in the same category to help you choose the least processed option. For example, in the yogurt category, one plain organic yogurt scored 4/100 (a favorable score indicating a low amount of processing), while Oui Petite by Yoplait received a maximally processed score of 100.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that ultra-processed foods likely contributed to about 10% of deaths among people 30 to 69 years old in Brazil in 2019. Another study published in Neurology linked a 10% increase in ultra-processed food consumption to an increased risk of dementia. And a recent study found that if more than 20% of a person’s daily calorie intake comes from ultra-processed food, it may easily accelerate cognitive decline.
Overall, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers and risks of ultra-processed foods and to limit your consumption of these items. By consciously choosing more natural, unprocessed options, you can effortlessly help protect your health and well-being.
Why are ultra-processed foods so harmful to you?
Ultra-processed foods have become increasingly popular and easy to available in recent years, with many people turning to ready-made packed meals and snacks as a convenient way to fuel their busy lives. However, a growing body of research is linking the consumption of ultra-processed foods to a range of negative health outcomes, including obesity, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and even dementia.
One reason for these diseases may be the high levels of sugar and calories found in many ultra-processed foods, which can easily contribute to weight gain and the development of chronic diseases. In one study, people who ate a diet of ultra-processed foods gained weight, while those who ate a diet of unprocessed foods lost weight, even though both groups consumed the same number of calories, sugar, fat, fiber, and micronutrients.
One theory is that ultra-processed foods are designed to be hyper-palatable, making them difficult to resist and easy to overeat. They are also often ready-to-eat, which can lead to a replacement of traditional, homemade meals with these less nutritious options. Another possibility is that the speed at which ultra-processed foods are eaten may play a role because people consume these foods too quickly to register feelings of fullness.
There is also evidence to suggest that the chemicals found in ultra-processed foods may disrupt the balance of gut microbes, which can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate food intake and metabolism. This is an area that requires further research to fully understand the mechanisms at play.
Overall, it is clear that ultra-processed foods can have serious negative impacts on our health. While they may be convenient, it is important to be mindful of our consumption of these types of foods and to try and incorporate more whole, unprocessed options into our diets whenever possible.
Ultra-processed food may affect cognition
A new study published in JAMA Neurology has found that consuming ultra-processed foods may be harmful to our brain and may accelerate cognitive decline. The study followed over 10,000 people for ten years and found that those who consumed 20% or more of their calories from ultra-processed foods had a higher risk of developing dementia. This equates to roughly 400 calories per day for an adult male or about 20-30 potato chips. It is important to note that this study only found an association between ultra-processed food consumption and cognitive decline, and further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms at play. However, these findings highlight the importance of being mindful of our dietary choices and incorporating more whole, unprocessed foods into our diets.
Ultraprocessed foods may increase the risk of developing dementia
A recent study in Brazil has found that consuming ultra-processed foods may increase the risk of developing dementia. The study, which followed over 50,000 people for an average of 5.8 years, found that those who consumed the most ultra-processed foods had a higher risk of developing dementia compared to those who consumed the least. While these results do not prove that ultra-processed foods cause dementia, the large sample size and robust study methodology suggest that limiting the consumption of these types of foods may be beneficial for maintaining cognitive function. Further research is needed to replicate and expand upon these findings and to develop targeted public health initiatives to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods.
Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Higher Cancer Risk
Are you aware of the risks associated with ultra-processed foods? Recent research from Imperial’s School of Public Health reveals that these heavily processed food items, such as fizzy drinks, packaged bread, and most breakfast cereals, can increase your risk of developing cancer. These foods lack essential nutrients and are typically high in sugar, fat, and artificial additives. In addition to the risk of cancer, they are also linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods to provide your body with the nutrients it needs and prioritize your health.
The convenience of ultra-processed foods often comes at a cost to our health. These food items, marketed as easy and healthy options, are typically high in salt, fat, sugar, and artificial additives.
Now, the first UK study of its kind reveals that consuming ultra-processed foods is linked to an increased risk of developing cancer. Researchers monitored the diets of 200,000 middle-aged adults over a 10-year period, looking at the risk of developing any cancer overall, as well as the risk of developing 34 specific types of cancer. The results are concerning, as ultra-processed foods are now well-documented to be associated with a range of poor health outcomes, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. To prioritize your health, it’s important to choose whole, unprocessed foods and limit your intake of ultra-processed options.
It’s no secret that ultra-processed foods are often loaded with unhealthy additives and are linked to a range of poor health outcomes. Now, a new study shows that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of developing cancer and a greater risk of dying from it. The study looked at the diets of 200,000 middle-aged adults and found that for every 10% increase in ultra-processed food in a person’s diet, there was an increased incidence of 2% for cancer overall and a 19% increase for ovarian cancer specifically. It’s a concerning finding, particularly when considering the heavy marketing of ultra-processed foods as quick and easy options. To prioritize your health and reduce your risk of cancer, it’s important to choose whole, unprocessed foods and limit your intake of ultra-processed options.
The detrimental effects of ultra-processed foods on our health are becoming increasingly apparent, with a new study revealing that higher consumption of these foods is linked to an increased risk of developing cancer. The links were found to remain even after adjusting for a range of socio-economic, behavioral, and dietary factors.
The study was carried out by researchers from Imperial’s School of Public Health in collaboration with the International Agency for Research on Cancer, University of São Paulo and NOVA University Lisbon, and published in eClinicalMedicine. Previous research from the team has already reported that the levels of consumption of ultra-processed foods in the UK are the highest in Europe, for both adults and children. With these findings in mind, it’s more important than ever to prioritize whole, unprocessed foods for better health outcomes.
The lead senior author of the study, Dr. Eszter Vamos, from Imperial College London’s School of Public Health, has stated that the study provides further evidence linking ultra-processed foods to negative health outcomes, including an increased risk of cancer. With the high consumption of these types of foods in the UK, there are significant implications for future health outcomes.
While the study cannot prove causation, existing evidence supports the potential health benefits of reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods. More research is needed to confirm the findings and develop effective public health strategies to reduce the prevalence and dangers of these foods in our diets. The study highlights the importance of being mindful of our food choices and making informed decisions to protect our health.
A recent study from Imperial College London’s School of Public Health has found that the average person in the UK consumes more than half of their daily energy intake from ultra-processed foods, which are linked to a higher risk of developing cancer. Ultra-processed foods are often cheap, convenient and marketed as healthy, but they are generally higher in salt, fat and sugar, and contain artificial additives. The study revealed that for every 10% increase in ultra-processed food consumption, there was an increased incidence of 2% for cancer overall and a 19% increase for ovarian cancer specifically. The research emphasizes the need for urgent reform of our food environment to protect the population from ultra-processed foods.
As the negative health impacts of ultra-processed foods become increasingly clear, efforts to restrict their consumption are underway around the world. Brazil, France, and Canada have all updated their national dietary guidelines to include recommendations to limit such foods, with Brazil even banning their marketing in schools. Yet in the UK, where consumption of ultra-processed foods is the highest in Europe, there are no similar measures in place. Dr. Kiara Chang from Imperial College London’s School of Public Health suggests clear front-of-pack warning labels and an extension of the sugar tax to cover fizzy drinks, fruit-based and milk-based drinks, as well as other ultra-processed products to help aid consumer choices and protect the population from these harmful foods.
The consumption of ultra-processed foods is higher in lower-income households, which is concerning. Dr. Chang suggests subsidizing minimally processed and freshly prepared meals to ensure access to healthy and affordable options for all.
Not everyone agrees that all ultra-processed foods are dangerous
In some situations, not everyone agrees that ultra-processed foods are inherently harmful to our health. Some critics, such as Gibney, argue that the ultra-processed food category is too broad and encompasses too many different types of food and ingredients to be a useful concept in scientific research. They also point out that the category does not take into account the potential for reformulating food to make it healthier, such as by making it whole grain or lower in sugar.
Furthermore, for many people, eliminating all processed foods from their diet may not be realistic, as these foods often make up a significant portion of their diet and they may not have the time or money to cook every meal from scratch. As such, the concept of ultra-processed food may oversimplify a complex issue and provide a popular but potentially incomplete answer to questions about the role of processed foods in our diets.
Overall, it is important to consider the full range of factors that may contribute to the health risks associated with ultra-processed foods and approach this issue with nuance and caution. While it is likely that some ultra-processed foods pose risks to our health, it is also important to recognize that not all processed foods are necessarily harmful and that there may be potential benefits to reformulating some of these foods to make them healthier.
What can you do to protect your health?
One simple step is to limit your consumption of ultra-processed foods and opt for more natural, unprocessed options instead. It’s not always easy, but making the effort to choose healthier options can pay off in the long run. Remember, the food you eat plays a major role in your overall health and well-being, so choose wisely!
How can you reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods?
If you are looking to reduce your consumption of ultra-processed foods, there are a few strategies you can try. One important step is to shift your mindset when it comes to food, focusing on quality rather than just calories. Experts suggest opting for whole, unprocessed foods that are cheap and easy to prepare, such as beans, lentils, eggs, nuts, seeds, and whole fruit. You could also try going without ultra-processed foods for a week and see how you feel.
In addition to individual efforts, there are also steps that governments and policymakers can take to reduce the availability and appeal of ultra-processed foods. This includes expanding access to healthy, minimally processed food, particularly in communities where these options are limited or more expensive. Governments can also implement clear labeling requirements and warning systems to inform the public about the dangers of ultra-processed foods, as some countries have already begun to do.
Ultimately, reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods is not a task that should fall solely on the shoulders of the public. By properly implementing policies to make healthy food more accessible and by providing clear information about the potential risks of ultra-processed foods, governments and policymakers can play a crucial role in helping people make healthier choices.
Meet Natalia, a New York City-based writer whose work has graced publications. She’s not just a wordsmith—Natalia is a fitness professional, life coach and yoga instructor. As a top barre and dance instructor, and Broadway performer, she brings a creative and dynamic touch to everything she does.
