Ready-to-eat foods, ice cream and processed snacks linked to 32 diseases, new study finds |

Researchers have discovered direct associations between exposure to ultra-processed foods and 32 health parameters, including mortality, cancer, and poor mental, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and metabolic health.
The team of researchers from Australia, the United States, France and Ireland found compelling evidence that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with an approximately 50 percent increased risk of death related to cardiovascular disease, a 48 to 53 percent higher risk of common anxiety and mental disorders, and a 12 percent higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
The team also found evidence that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a 21 percent higher risk of death from any cause, with a 40 to 66 percent increased risk. percent of deaths linked to heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes and an increased risk of 40 to 66 percent. sleep problems and a 22 percent increased risk of depression.

Diseases to pay attention to are:

Researchers found that greater exposure to ultra-processed foods was directly
associated with higher risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, depressive disorders, sleep problems, wheezing, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders like Crohn’s disease, and obesity.

According to the study, excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods increases the risk of breast cancer, central nervous system tumors, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer.

What are ultra-processed foods?

Ultra-processed foods are products created by industrial methods and often contain additives, preservatives and artificial ingredients. They usually undergo several processes such as extrusion, hydrogenation and high temperature cooking. Examples include sugary snacks, packaged baked goods, fast food, sugary drinks, and ready-to-eat meals. These foods are generally low in essential nutrients and fiber, but high in unhealthy fats, sugars and salt. Regular consumption of ultra-processed foods has been linked to various health problemsincluding obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain cancers.
Ultra-processed foods undergo multiple industrial processes and often contain colors, emulsifiers, flavors and other additives. These products also tend to be high in added sugars, fat and/or salt, but are low in vitamins and fiber.
“Public policies and actions are essential”
“Therefore, public policies and actions are essential,” say the researchers. These include national dietary guidelines that recommend a variety of unprocessed or minimally processed foods and freshly prepared meals and avoid ultra-processed foods19; institutional food purchases consistent with these guidelines; front-of-package labels that clearly identify ultra-processed foods; restrict advertising and prohibit sales in or near schools and hospitals; and tax measures that make unprocessed or minimally processed foods and freshly prepared meals as accessible and available and less expensive than ultra-processed foods, the researchers said.