Need more reasons to stop eating ultra-processed foods? How about 32? That’s the number of health problems cited in the largest-ever review of research into the dangers of diets high in ultra-processed foods. The findings, published online February 28, 2024, include: BMJThe findings come from a review of 45 analyses published in the past three years, involving a total of nearly 10 million people. When scientists graded the evidence, the most persuasive, or highly suggestive, evidence found links between diets high in ultra-processed foods and increased risk of premature death, cardiovascular disease, mental disorders, diabetes, obesity, and sleep disorders. According to the authors, the associations between ultra-processed foods and asthma, gastrointestinal disorders, some cancers, and other health problems are limited and require further investigation. What exactly are ultra-processed foods? They are prepared products like deli meats, microwaveable dinners, and chips. They usually have long ingredient lists and lots of additives, including preservatives, oils, sugar, salt, colors, and flavors. If you can eliminate ultra-processed foods from your diet as much as possible and replace them with less processed foods and (best of all) whole foods, you’re doing yourself a favor.
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