Researchers said the study, published in the Lancet Regional Health journal, highlighted the risks of popular meat alternatives such as vegan burgers and sausages.
However, the scientists pointed out that the “meat-free” component of a vegan diet also includes cakes, pastries and biscuits.
The World Cancer Research Fund-funded study from the University of São Paulo and Imperial College London assessed the diets of adults aged 40 to 69 and linked it to almost a decade’s worth of hospital data.
The researchers said their study is the first to show that UPF plant-based foods increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Lead author Dr Fernanda Lauber said the composition and processing of such foods could lead to increased blood pressure and cholesterol.
“Degree of processing”
She said: “Food additives and industrial pollutants found in these foods can cause oxidative stress and inflammation, further exacerbating the risk.”
“People looking to transition to a plant-based diet should also consider the level of processing before making their choice,” she added.
“Fresh plant-based foods such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains and legumes are known to have important health and environmental benefits,” said study co-author Dr Ester Vamos from the Imperial College London School of Public Health.
“Although ultra-processed foods are often marketed as health foods, this large-scale study suggests that ultra-processed plant-based foods have no protective health benefits and may actually be linked to poorer health outcomes.”
Based on the evidence they found, the researchers said that nutritional guidelines that promote plant-based diets should also recommend avoiding all UPFs.
“Not considered essential”
Ultra-processed foods include packaged baked goods and snacks, carbonated drinks, sugary cereals, ready-to-eat and heat-only products. They often contain colours, emulsifiers, flavours and other additives. They are typically high in energy, added sugars, saturated fat and salt but lacking in vitamins and dietary fibre.
However, there is no clear definition and there is debate over whether some products, such as wholemeal bread, should be classified as ultra-processed foods.
In their latest study, independent scientists pointed out that around half of plant-based UPFs come from industrially packaged breads, pastries, rolls, cakes and biscuits, with only a small amount coming from plant-based alternatives.
Dr Duane Mellor, dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association and honorary academic fellow at Aston University, said: “Many non-animal foods such as biscuits, crisps, confectionery and soft drinks are technically plant-based, but for the majority of people they are not considered essential to a healthy diet.”
“It’s important to stress that just because a food or drink is technically plant-based doesn’t mean it’s healthy.
“What we should be aiming for is a diet that is based on vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains.”
