In a world where convenience and speed are highly valued, the consumption of ultra-processed foods has become increasingly prevalent. These foods, which are heavily manufactured and loaded with additives, have been linked to various health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. However, a recent study has shed light on an even more alarming consequence of consuming ultra-processed foods – it can shorten your lifespan.
According to a CNN report, the study, conducted by researchers at Harvard University, spanning over 30 years and tracking 1,14,000 participants, has highlighted the risks associated with consuming ultra-processed foods (UPF).
So, what exactly are ultra-processed foods?
These are foods that undergo multiple levels of processing and contain a long list of ingredients, many of which are unrecognizable and difficult to pronounce. They include ready-to-eat meals, packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and fast food items such as burgers and fries. These foods are often high in calories, fat, sugar, and sodium while lacking important nutrients like fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
One of the primary reasons for the negative impact on lifespan is the high content of additives in ultra-processed foods. These additives are used to enhance taste, texture, and shelf life but can have detrimental effects on our health. For example, many processed meats contain nitrates and nitrites, which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Artificial sweeteners used in diet drinks have been associated with weight gain and other health issues.
The results of the study:
Unsettling results from the study, which was published in the BMJ, showed that individuals who habitually ate ultra-processed meats had a 13% increased risk of dying young throughout the study period.
Furthermore, there was a 9% higher chance of dying young for people whose diets were heavy in sugar-filled and artificially sweetened beverages.
Diets heavy in ultra-processed foods were linked to a 4% increased risk of death overall.
The researchers found 48,193 deaths over an average follow-up period of 34 years. Of these, 13,557 deaths were attributable to cancer, 11,416 deaths to heart disease, 3,926 deaths to respiratory disorders, and 6,343 deaths to neurological diseases.
Consuming too much ultra-processed food, particularly some varieties, might be harmful to your health. There is a connection between an increased risk of death and ready-to-eat meats, sweetened drinks, desserts, and morning items. Therefore, it's advisable to restrict certain meals in your diet.
The researchers said, "The findings provide support for limiting consumption of certain types of ultra-processed food for long term health. Future studies are warranted to improve the classification of ultra-processed foods and confirm our findings in other populations."
However, this is not the first study to raise concerns about the negative effects of ultra-processed foods on health. Previous research has linked these foods to chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and an increased risk of metabolic syndrome.
Experts advice:
Experts advise emphasising unprocessed and minimally processed meals, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and unprocessed animal products like eggs, fish, and meat, to counteract these alarming trends.
These foods, which account for almost 30% of the average diet in the UK, offer vital nutrients free of the dangerous compounds seen in highly processed meals.
In order to improve general health and longevity, this study emphasises the significance of public health programs targeted at lowering dependency on ultra-processed foods.
ALSO READ: Unhealthy diet causes 56 per cent of diseases including diabetes, obesity: ICMR
