ultra processed foods Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Hypertension, Cancer, & Early Death

The AHA! Team — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 05:16:23 +0000

Lance D Johnson via Natural News – Study Exposes Hidden Dangers of Modern Diet In a world where convenience trumps nutrition, a groundbreaking study exposes the deadly consequences of ultra-processed foods—linking them to skyrocketing rates of hypertension, heart disease, cancer, and premature death. Presented at the ACC Asia 2025 conference in Singapore, the research analyzed data from 8.2 million adults across four continents, revealing a disturbing trend: the more ultra-processed foods people eat, the faster their health deteriorates. Key points: A new study reveals that ultra-processed foods increase the risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and early death. Every additional 100 grams consumed daily raises the risk of digestive diseases by 19.5% and all-cause mortality by 2.6%. Researchers warn of hidden additives, synthetic ingredients, and nutrient-deficient formulations in mass-produced foods. Governments and health officials urged to enforce stricter labeling and promote whole-food alternatives. The silent killers in your pantry Ultra-processed foods—those factory-made products loaded with synthetic additives, refined sugars, and industrial seed oils—are not just empty calories. They are engineered for addiction while stripping away essential nutrients. According to Dr. Xiao Liu, a cardiologist at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, these foods disrupt metabolism, gut health, and even mental well-being through: Blood lipid imbalances Gut microbiome destruction Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress Insulin resistance and obesity Common offenders include: Sugar-laden cereals (high-fructose corn syrup, artificial dyes) Packaged cookies and candy (hydrogenated oils, emulsifiers) Processed meats (sodium nitrites, MSG) Soda and energy drinks (aspartame, phosphoric acid) A dose-dependent health crisis The study found that for every 100 grams of ultra-processed food consumed daily (roughly a small bag of chips or a sugary drink), the risks climb: 14.5% higher hypertension risk 5.9% increased cardiovascular events 19.5% spike in digestive diseases 2.6% greater chance of early death Even more alarming? The GRADE assessment confirmed high-to-moderate certainty in these findings—meaning the evidence is undeniable. Where did the term “ultra-processed food” come from? The term “ultra-processed food” (UPF) was introduced by Brazilian nutrition researcher Carlos Monteiro and his team in 2009 as part of the NOVA food classification system. This system categorizes foods based on their level of processing rather than just their nutritional content. The NOVA classification divides foods into four groups: Unprocessed or minimally processed foods (e.g., fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk). Processed culinary ingredients (e.g., sugar, salt, butter, oils). Processed foods (e.g., canned vegetables, cheese, cured meats). Ultra-processed foods (e.g., sodas, chips, fast food, packaged snacks). Monteiro’s research highlighted how UPFs are linked to obesity and chronic diseases, leading to global awareness of their health risks. How do ultra-processed foods differ from processed foods? Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrially manufactured products containing numerous additives, artificial flavors, and minimal whole food content. Unlike processed foods—such as canned beans, cheese, smoked fish, and bread—which are altered mainly for preservation or taste and retain recognizable ingredients, UPFs (like soda, candy, instant noodles, chicken nuggets, and frozen pizza) rely on artificial colors, emulsifiers, sweeteners, and preservatives. While processed foods may still provide some nutrients despite often being high in salt, sugar, or fat, UPFs are typically calorie-dense, loaded with unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt, and lack fiber and essential nutrients. The primary purpose of processed foods is to extend shelf life or enhance flavor, whereas UPFs are engineered for hyper-palatability, convenience, and long shelf life, prioritizing low cost and mass appeal over nutritional value. Why are ultra-processed foods considered addictive? Research suggests UPFs may trigger addictive-like eating behaviors due to: Hyper-palatability – High levels of sugar, fat, and salt stimulate brain reward pathways. Artificial additives – Flavor enhancers (e.g., MSG) and sweeteners (e.g., high-fructose corn syrup) may increase cravings. Rapid digestion & absorption – Refined carbs and fats cause blood sugar spikes, leading to overeating. Marketing & convenience – Easy access and aggressive advertising reinforce habitual consumption. Studies comparing UPFs to addictive substances (like nicotine) suggest they may lead to loss of control over eating, similar to substance dependence. The solution to this is simple; making America healthy again won’t come from the top down. Individuals have to decide that their life is worth living and they have to choose to eat real foods, and maybe grow some of their own! Sources include: ScienceDaily.com ACC.org ACC.org To read the original article, click here

The post Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Hypertension, Cancer, & Early Death appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Ultra-Processed Foods are Silently Altering Your Metabolism, Scientists Warn

The AHA! Team — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 06:33:17 +0000

Dr. Sanchari Sinha Dutta, Ph.D. via News-Medical – Study identifies metabolic changes caused by ultra-processed foods, raising concerns about their role in obesity, cardiovascular disease, and gut health disruption. Study: Association of ultra-processed foods intake with untargeted metabolomics profiles in adolescents and young adults in the DONALD cohort study. Scientists in France and Germany have conducted a study to identify urine and plasma metabolic biomarkers associated with ultra-processed food intake in adolescents and young adults. The study is currently available as a pre-proof in The Journal of Nutrition. Background Ultra-processed foods refer to industrially processed food products containing food-derived or reconstituted ingredients and other industrially isolated components. These components are typically used to increase the shelf-life and sensory properties of the products. The intake of ultra-processed foods is increasing exponentially worldwide, especially in developed countries. Epidemiological studies have consistently linked high intake of ultra-processed foods, particularly animal-based food products and sweetened beverages, to increased risks of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders. Excessive intake of ultra-processed foods is also associated with chronic kidney disease, cancer, and neuropsychiatric complications. Ultra-processed foods contain excessive amounts of added sugars, salts, saturated fats, energy-dense components, and lower amounts of proteins and dietary fibers. Such poor nutrient profiles are believed to be responsible for negative health consequences. In this study, scientists have determined the associations between ultra-processed food intake both plasma and urine metabolite levels in adolescents and young adults. They applied untargeted metabolomics analysis to capture a wide array of metabolic changes linked to ultra-processed food intake. Over 40 metabolites linked to ultra-processed food consumption were identified, with key markers like indoxyl glucuronide signaling potential metabolic disruptions. The scientists selected these two biological matrices because short-term changes in metabolite levels related to dietary intake are more reliably reflected in urine samples, and plasma samples provide a more stable overview of long-term diet-responsive metabolic states. Study design The scientists analyzed data from the Dortmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed (DONALD) study, an ongoing study designed to regularly assess and follow healthy infants until adulthood. The DONALD study has been recruiting healthy infants annually since 1985 and regularly assesses their dietary intake, anthropometric measurements, urine sample collection, blood sample collection, medical parameters, lifestyle factors, and other sociodemographic data. Data from adolescents who provided 3-day dietary records and 24-hour urine samples was analyzed to determine the association between ultra-processed food intake and urinary metabolic profile. For young adults, the association between ultra-processed food intake and blood metabolic profile was determined by analyzing 3 or more 3-day dietary records within the 5-year period preceding a single blood measurement. Important observations A total of 339 adolescent urine samples and 195 young adult blood samples were analyzed in this study. There was an overlap of 139 participants between the two groups. The proportions of ultra-processed food intake relative to total food intake in adolescents and young adults were 22% and 23%, respectively. The most commonly consumed ultra-processed foods in both groups were sweetened beverages and ready-to-heat or ready-to-eat food products. Sweets, chocolates, ice cream, cereals, industrial breads, and processed meats and sausages contributed the most to energy intake. Mean energy contributions of various foods groups to the total UPF energy intake (%) in (A) Adolescent urine. Impact of ultra-processed food intake on urinary metabolic profile A total of 42 ultra-processed food-responsive metabolites were identified in adolescent urine samples. Of these metabolites, 21 showed positive associations with ultra-processed food intake. Among known metabolites identified in urine samples, ultra-processed food intake showed a significant positive association with indoxyl glucuronide and other partially characterized glucuronides. These glucuronides are involved in detoxification processes, notably the elimination of dietary substances through glucuronidation pathways. Impact of ultra-processed food intake on plasma metabolic profile A total of six ultra-processed food-responsive metabolites were identified in young adult plasma samples. Of these metabolites, 4-hydroxyglutamate and two structurally unknown metabolites showed positive associations with ultra-processed food intake. 4-hydroxyglutamate has previously been linked to metabolic syndrome and may be an indicator of metabolic stress. Impact of ultra-processed food intake on urine and plasma metabolite patterns A total of 25 metabolite patterns, identified using robust sparse principal component analysis (PCA), explained 61.7% of the variance in ultra-processed food-mediated metabolic changes in adolescent urine samples. A significant positive association of ultra-processed food intake was observed with one urinary metabolite pattern (‘xenobiotics and amino acids’) and one plasma metabolite pattern (‘lipids, xenobiotics, and amino acids’). Both metabolite patterns shared 29 metabolites that were primarily associated with xenobiotic metabolism, which involves the breakdown and elimination of foreign substances like food additives. Study significance The study finds that ultra-processed foods can induce changes in urine and plasma metabolite levels in adolescents and young adults through various pathways, including xenobiotic metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lipid pathways. The study identifies indoxyl glucuronide and other partially characterized glucuronides as major urinary metabolites positively associated with ultra-processed food intake. Glucuronides are produced during glucuronidation, a key biological detoxification pathway. Regarding diet-related glucuronidation, evidence suggests that gut microbiome plays a key role in modulating microbial transformation of dietary substrates and glucuronide levels and biosynthesis of microbial metabolites. It is also well-established in the literature that ultra-processed foods can induce gut microbiota dysbiosis, which in turn is associated with a range of health adversities, including immunological and neuropsychological disorders. Overall, the study findings provide useful information on the complex biological mechanisms through which ultra-processed foods may affect metabolism and health. The findings also raise concerns about how the displacement of minimally processed foods by ultra-processed options can lead to both nutritional deficiencies and disruptions in gut health. Journal reference: Muli S. 2024. Association of ultra-processed foods intake with untargeted metabolomics profiles in adolescents and young adults in the DONALD cohort study. The Journal of Nutrition. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002231662401040X To read the original article click here.

The post Ultra-Processed Foods are Silently Altering Your Metabolism, Scientists Warn appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Cancer, Early Death, Cognitive Decline

AHA Publisher — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 08:00:11 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – When you hear “ultra-processed foods,” you probably pictures things like soda, cereal, cookies and frozen dinners — and you’d be right. According to a study published in the medical journal BMJ Open, these are considered ultra-processed foods, or “formulations of several ingredients which, besides salt, sugar, oils and fats, include food substances not used in culinary preparations.” A large body of research suggests that there are many dangerous effects of eating large amounts of ultra-processed foods, and there’s no doubt about it, the amount that many Americans eat is alarming. A 2021 JAMA study, for example, found that ultra-processed foods now account for two-thirds (67 percent) of calories on average in the diets of American children and teens. The BMJ study mentioned above uncovered that 58 percent of the average American’s daily energy intake comes from unhealthy foods like cakes, white breads and diet sodas. That’s not all. Research published in 2022 shows ultra-processed foods are linked withcancer and early death — and could even raise the risk of cognitive decline. What types of health problems may this lead to? As explained more below, consumption of such unhealthy ingredients is linked to problems including: obesity diabetes heart disease inflammatory bowel disease depression even cancer What Are Ultra-Processed Foods? Processed foods are those that have been changed in any way from their natural states, whether due to washing, canning, freezing or adding ingredients to them. Ultra–processed foods take things a step further: They are made mostly from substances extracted from foods, such as fats, starches, added sugars and hydrogenated fats, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Processed foods are definitely a tricky subject. Considering that many seemingly healthy foods come in packages today, it can be hard to tell the difference between “whole foods” and those that are processed. For example, is oatmeal an ultra-processed food? Are things like bagged trail mix or bottled fruit smoothies actually healthy choices? Breads and oatmeal are in fact “processed” even if they are healthy and homemade. You don’t just nibble on these grains — you process them into a loaf or rolled oats. Nut butters are processed, too, when they’re churned into a creamy spread. In fact, any food that hasn’t been directly pulled out of the ground and eaten is technically processed, like frozen fruits or canned veggies. The Processed Foods Spectrum: Not all processed foods are created equally, however. Chowing down on Twinkies is certainly not the same as adding frozen spinach to your smoothies, even though they’re technically both processed. What is the difference between processed and ultra-processed food? Check out the spectrum below: Avoid: Ultra-processed foods — This group includes things like frozen dinners (yes, that includes pizza), all sodas (even diet!), store-bought cakes and cookies (goodbye, Little Debbie), boxed cake mixes, etc. These are made with added fats, starches, added sugars, hydrogenated fat and other artificial ingredients. Not often: Processed foods — This includes ingredients like jarred pasta sauce, sausages, store-bought salad dressings and whole-grain bread. These aren’t terrible in moderation or when you’re short on time, but when possible, it’s best to make your own versions to limit added ingredients. When you do purchase these, look for those that have a limited amount (two to four) ingredients. Better: Minimally processed foods — This includes things like extra virgin olive oil, meats (naturally raised), plain yogurt, nut butters (where the only ingredients are the nut and salt), frozen vegetables and fruit that have been processed at their peak to lock in freshness and nutrition. Ideally these should be just one to two ingredients. Best: Unprocessed foods — Fresh fruit, wild-caught fish and veggies fall into this category. They’re delicious just as nature made them. Effects on Health What do ultra-processed foods do to your body? Research shows that diets high in processed foods are associated with: Weight gain and obesity, including among children and teens Heart disease and vascular diseases Diabetes Depression Cancer More A 2019 study published in the journal Cell Metabolism that compared the effects of an ultra-processed diet to those of an unprocessed diet found that people consumed about 500 more calories per day on the ultra-processed diet. The ultra-processed diet usually resulted in higher intake of carbohydrates and fat but not protein. Participants gained on average two pounds during the ultra-processed diet phase of the study, which lasted just 14 days. Another study found that over a five-year period, people who consumed more ultra-processed foods had higher risks of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. This remained true even after the researchers adjusted for the nutritional quality of the diet (considering factors such as the amount saturated fat, sodium, sugar and dietary fiber in the diets). A 2018 study linked high consumption of these types of foods to a greater risk of developing certain types of cancer. Researchers found that a 10 percent increase in ultra-processed foods in someone’s diet was correlated to about an 11 percent increase in developing breast cancer. A 2022 study backed up this data, finding a correlation between ultra-processed food consumption and colorectal cancer. Researchers concluded, “In the three large prospective cohorts, high consumption of total ultra-processed foods in men and certain subgroups of ultra-processed foods in men and women was associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.” Then there is the effect on cognition, as noted by research published in JAMA Neurol: In a cohort study of 10,775 individuals, higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a higher rate of global and executive function decline after a median follow-up of 8 years. … These findings suggest that limiting consumption of ultra-processed food could be associated with reduced cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults. Added sugar found in many packaged foods is also a big health concern. Today it’s estimated that about 90 percent of Americans’ “added sugar intake” comes from ultra-processed foods. In fact, sugar makes up about 21 percent of the calories found in ultra-processed foods. High consumption of sugar, as well as different types of artificial sweeteners, is associated with a variety of health conditions, from obesity to type 2 diabetes to migraines. Studies have shown that people who consume more than 21 percent of their daily calories from added sugar double their risk of death from heart disease compared to those who consume less than 10 percent of their calories from added sugars. It’s not an exaggeration to say that added sugars are killing us. Ultra-Processed Foods List What is considered ultra-processed food? These are the types of food products that are loaded with preservatives, additives and unrecognizable ingredients. Many are also artificially colored and flavored, often deep-fried, and contain next to no nutritional value. Many things offered at “fast food” restaurants fall into this category. Fast food is fast and cheap for a reason … the large majority of the time, it’s processed and pre-prepared. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics, about 37 percent of American adults eat fast food on a given day. Data also showed eating fast food decreased with age, surprisingly increased with income, and was more popular among men and non-Hispanic Black adults. Some examples of ultra-processed foods to avoid include: Chips, many crackers and salty snacks, and French fries Frozen pizza and other frozen meals Many cheeses and processed meats, like hot dogs, bologna, etc. Cakes, cookies, brownies, donuts and frostings Candy Fast food Soda, many juices and energy drinks How to Eat Less Ultra-Processed Foods (Healthy Swaps) 1. Make Gradual Changes While it’s tempting to make drastic dietary changes, you and your family have a better chance of sticking to healthy habits if you decide on one change at a time. For example, if you usually serve soda or juice with meals, try replacing these with water instead. After a few days, remove another major source of sugar. Not only will this help ease you into changes mentally, but it’ll also help reduce any physical symptoms you might experience. 2. Shop with a Grocery List It’s a lot easier to make healthy choices and avoid ultra-processed foods when you have a list of the items you’re looking to add into your diet instead. Make a list of the meals you’re preparing for the week and all the ingredients required. If you’re thinking of heading to the store without eating, forget about it. Shopping on an empty stomach will make it harder to resist those foods you should avoid. 3. Shop the Store’s Perimeter You’ve probably heard it before, but there’s a reason it’s recommended that you shop the edge of the store and skip most of the middle aisles. Fresh produce, meats and dairy are nearly always around the store perimeter, while ultra-processed foods get stacked on the shelves in the middle of the store. By limiting the aisles you shop, you’ll resist temptation to purchase bad-for-you foods. Similarly, hit the healthier part of the grocery store first. One of the things I love about certain Whole Foods is that you enter the store in the vegetable and fruit area, so you start loading up on the best foods in the store well before you may start getting tempted by the naughty processed or ultra-processed foods. 4. Read the Ingredients List If there’s something on the ingredients list of a packaged food that you couldn’t buy to use in your own kitchen – or whose name you can’t even pronounce – it’s probably highly processed. Don’t forget that ingredients are listed in the order of how prevalent in a food they are. Beware of what’s listed as one of the first five ingredients, or better yet, avoid foods that have more than five ingredients in them. 5. Look Out for Added Sugars Food manufacturers have gotten cleverer about how sugars are listed by using different terms for the substance in the ingredients list. One rule of thumb is that ingredients ending with “ose” are sugars: Think sucrose, fructose and dextrose. Another is to use fancy or “natural” sounding sugars, such as: cane sugar beet sugar cane juice fruit juice 6. Try These Healthier Alternatives Instead of chips and fries— Make your own. You don’t have to stick to potatoes either. I’m a huge fan of spicy kale chips, zucchini chips and even sweet baked apple chips. Keep these on hand when you need a TV time snack or to nibble on while getting dinner ready. Instead of frozen pizzas — Try one of these easy homemade doughs, like this coconut crust pizza or cauliflower pizza crust with your favorite toppings, such as veggies. These are super tasty, come together quickly and you can customize them to your family’s tastes. In place of sugary drinks — Replace sugary sodas and store-bought juices with homemade drinks that taste great and are good for you, too. This anti-inflammatory green juice will boost your body’s natural defenses, while my orange carrot ginger juiceis a crowd-pleaser among kids. In place of cakes, cookies, muffins — Sweet treats don’t need to be eliminated entirely, but when there are alternatives that taste this good, there’s no need for ultra-processed versions. This chocolate frosting is fantastic atop homemade baked goods, maybe even on this gluten-free chocolate cake. Alternatives to fast food — You can steer clear of fast food by meal prepping and choosing healthier restaurant options. (Here are the restaurants I recommend.) Fast food’s ubiquity can be difficult to escape, but it can be done. Eliminating those foods and replacing them with healthier alternatives is one of the best things you can do for your family’s health. Conclusion What are ultra-processed foods? These are foods that are made with added ingredients, such as sugar, salt, fat, and artificial colors or preservatives. Examples include fast food, chips, frozen meals, soda, processed meats and cheeses, and desserts like cake and cookies. It’s been found that about 58 percent of the average American’s daily energy intake comes from unhealthy foods like cakes, white breads and diet sodas, while they make up up to two-thirds...

The post Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Cancer, Early Death, Cognitive Decline appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Feeling Anxious or Blue? Ultra-Processed Foods May be to Blame

AHA Publisher — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 07:00:22 +0000

Florida Atlantic University via Newswise – Do you love those sugary-sweet beverages, reconstituted meat products and packaged snacks? You may want to reconsider based on a new study that explored whether individuals who consume higher amounts of ultra-processed food have more adverse mental health symptoms. Although ultra-processed foods are convenient, low cost, quick to prepare or ready-to-eat, these industrial formulations of processed food substances (oils, fats, sugars, starch, protein isolates) contain little or no whole food. They result from extensive ‘physical, biological, and chemical processes’ that create food products that are deficient in original and natural food. Ultra-processed foods typically include flavorings, colorings, emulsifiers and other cosmetic additives. While there is some evidence regarding ultra-processed food consumption and depression, data are sparse regarding other adverse mental health symptoms including anxiety and mentally unhealthy days. Researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine and collaborators explored a nationally representative sample of the United States population to determine if individuals who consume high amounts of ultra-processed foods report significantly more adverse mental health symptoms including depression, anxiety and mentally unhealthy days. They measured mild depression, number of mental unhealthy days and number of anxious days in 10,359 adults 18 and older from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Results of the study, published in the journal Public Health Nutrition, showed that individuals who consumed the most ultra-processed foods as compared with those who consumed the least amount had statistically significant increases in the adverse mental health symptoms of mild depression, “mentally unhealthy days” and “anxious days.” They also had significantly lower rates of reporting zero “mentally unhealthy days” and zero “anxious days.” Findings from this study are generalizable to the entire U.S. as well as other Western countries with similar ultra-processed food intakes. “The ultra-processing of food depletes its nutritional value and also increases the number of calories, as ultra-processed foods tend to be high in added sugar, saturated fat and salt, while low in protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals,” said Eric Hecht, M.D., Ph.D., corresponding author and an affiliate associate professor in FAU’s Schmidt College of Medicine. “More than 70 percent of packaged foods in the U.S. are classified as ultra-processed food and represent about 60 percent of all calories consumed by Americans. Given the magnitude of exposure to and effects of ultra-processed food consumption, our study has significant clinical and public health implications.” Researchers used the NOVA food classification for the study, which is a widely used system recently adopted by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. NOVA considers the nature, extent and purpose of food processing in order to categorize foods and beverages into four groups: unprocessed or minimally processed foods, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods and ultra-processed foods. “Data from this study add important and relevant information to a growing body of evidence concerning the adverse effects of ultra-processed consumption on mental health symptoms,” said Charles H. Hennekens, M.D., Dr.PH, co-author, the first Sir Richard Doll Professor of Medicine, and senior academic advisor, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine. “Analytic epidemiologic research is needed to test the many hypotheses formulated from these descriptive data.” According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 1 in 5 adults live with a mental illness. Mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety, are leading causes of morbidity, disability and mortality. To read the original article click here.

The post Feeling Anxious or Blue? Ultra-Processed Foods May be to Blame appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Study Shows “Ultra-Processed” Foods Are Linked to Much Higher Rates of IBD

AHA Publisher — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 07:00:48 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Over 3 million Americans have been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a potentially debilitating gastrointestinal condition that includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. More prevalent in developed nations, IBD is becoming more common in countries where it was previously rare, and scientists think they know why. The increase in IBD parallels the growing adoption of the Western diet (also known as the Standard American Diet, or SAD). The SAD – which relies heavily on processed foods – is high in calories, trans fats, saturated fats, added sugars, and salt while low in fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. Yet, little research examining the link between SAD and IBD existed – until now. An extensive international study newly published in BMJ examines the effect of “ultra-processed” foods on rates of IBD – with alarming implications. Let’s take a closer look at the revealing research. Large Amounts of Ultra-Processed Foods May Cause IBD Risk to Skyrocket To conduct the study, an international team of researchers gathered detailed information from over 116,000 adults in 21 different countries (including Bangladesh, Sweden, Turkey, Brazil, and the United States) for 13 years. First, participants were questioned about their daily diets, including their consumption of “ultra-processed” foods – such as heavily processed, packaged baked goods, sugar-laden cereals, carbonated sugary drinks and reconstituted meat and fish products. They were then followed for nine years, with new diagnoses of IBD being recorded. To say that the study supported a link between “ultra-processed” foods and higher levels of IBD is an understatement. The team found that participants who consumed five or more servings a day of ultra-processed foods had a stunning 82 percent greater risk of being affected by IBD than those who ate less than one serving a day! For those who consumed one to four servings of ultra-processed food a day, the increased risk was 67 percent. While the study did not show that the foods caused IBD, it certainly suggested a powerful association. In any case, the researchers called for more studies to identify and explore contributory factors among processed foods that might be responsible for the increased risk. Ingredients in Ultra-Processed Foods Disturb the Balance of the All-Important Gut Microbiome The researchers commented that IBD is believed to stem from dysbiosis (imbalances in the microbiome, or community of gut bacteria) in susceptible people. Studies have shown that the bacterial balance of the microbiome can be changed through diet, and this can, in turn, alter the intestinal immune response in the digestive tract, leading to inflammation. While it is too early to say for sure, scientists suspect certain additives – such as added sugars, stabilizers, preservatives, and artificial flavors – of being the culprits. For example, an emulsifier known as carboxymethylcellulose has been shown to increase the ability of bacteria to adhere to the epithelial lining of the intestines. Other suspects are refined sugars and potentially inflammatory omega-6 acids in processed foods. Best Foods to Eat to Help With IBD Some foods appeared to be “off the hook” when it comes to a connection with IBD. For example, consumption of unprocessed white meat, unprocessed red meat, dairy products, starch, fruits, vegetables, and legumes was not associated with an increased risk in the study. In fact, high consumption of fruits and vegetables has been linked in studies with a decreased risk of a form of IBD known as ulcerative colitis. For people undergoing episodes and “flares” of IBD, experts recommend well-cooked vegetables such as green beans, carrots, mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus tips, and pureed squash. Some also advise peeled apples, ripe bananas, melon, and canned fruit to calm a troubled gastrointestinal tract. (While natural health experts ordinarily endorse eating the antioxidant- and fiber-rich peels of apples and the skins of potatoes, a flare-up calls for temporarily lowering fiber intake). Well-cooked, tender, unprocessed meats, scrambled eggs, and tofu are also on the “OK” list. In addition, it’s important to get adequate amounts of vitamin D, calcium, and probiotic and prebiotic foods. So, naturally, you will want to “put the kibosh” on all ultra-processed foods. And, for maximum benefit, opt for organic foods whenever possible. Here Are Some Tips to Support Your Gut Health Naturally Other natural interventions exist for IBD. The American College of Gastroenterology recommends a low-FODMAP diet – a short-term intervention that involves the restriction of fermentable carbohydrates. If you have IBD, your integrative physician may recommend this strategy. In addition, stress management techniques such as acupuncture, mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga have been shown to benefit IBD. Not only is IBD a frustrating, painful, and potentially serious disease, but it appears to be linked to other chronic conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that people with IBD are more likely to suffer from heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and ulcers. Therefore, banishing ultra-processed foods from your diet is a practical, common-sense step you can take to optimize your health and steer clear of troublesome IBD. Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com UHHospitals.org CDC.gov To read the original article click here.

The post Study Shows “Ultra-Processed” Foods Are Linked to Much Higher Rates of IBD appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

10 Ways to Destroy Heart Health

AHA Publisher — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 08:00:51 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Who needs a healthy heart, right? While this is a ridiculous question, millions of Americans engage in everyday habits that destroy heart health. Or, they ignore those that support it. Are you destroying yours? How can you reverse it? Here are 10 ways to destroy heart health, and how to reverse your risk. 10 Ways to Destroy Heart Health 1. EAT A DIET HIGH IN INFLAMMATORY ULTRA PROCESSED FOODS Our foods are literally killing us. Many foods in plastic packages and boxes can destroy heart health, increase blood sugar issues, and even increase the overall risk of death (1) according to a recent study of 100,000 participants. How? Ultra-processed foods are those commercial, processed foods that contain a lot of processed fats and sugars. Most of these fats are hydrogenated oils or soybean oil. Believe it or not, soybean oil is considered one the most-consumed modern toxins, and works against heart health by hurting: Metabolic Health. Lab studies show that soybean oil is one of the most detrimental foods to metabolic health (2). Cardiovascular Health: Soybean oil has been shown to cause harmful abnormalities to cholesterol and triglycerides (3). Overall health and inflammation: Many studies have concluded that concentrated sources of omega-6 fats increase inflammation in the body (4). Don’t let ultra-processed foods destroy heart health. Reverse Your Risk: You can take steps to reduce your consumption of ultra-processed foods by following the Beyond Keto Book. This is an amazingly heart healthy plan that also supports whole-body and gut health. This is the best start! In addition, look for soybean oil in all foods you buy and rid your diet of it with these tips. 2. AVOID SPICES, FRUITS & VEGETABLES Along with eating ultra-processed foods, avoiding all vibrantly colored spices, fruits and vegetables can destroy heart health. Vibrant plant foods are full of antioxidants. Antioxidants support cellular health, arterial health, and whole body health by reducing the effects of free radicals and oxidative stress. Specifically in the cardiovascular system, antioxidants work to reduce cholesterol plaque formations and elevated blood pressure (5). Additionally, foods high in antioxidants support brain cells (6), and may reduce harmful cell overgrowth. (Many studies also back up the health benefits of berries (7). Reverse Your Risk:You can reverse your risk of poor heart health by eating foods high in antioxidants! The best place to start is Divine Health® Fermented Green Supremefood®. Also, here is a great list of our top 10 antioxidant foods! 3. NEVER GET YOUR HEART RATE UP We all know sedentary lifestyles are bad for heart health and exercise is beneficial. But, how and why? Exercise forces our hearts to pump a great volume of blood through our arteries. This forces our arteries to stay flexible and elastic, which is a healthier state than stiff or inflexible arteries. Any exercise that increases heart rate can be beneficial to heart health. For example, both endurance training at lower intensity and higher intensity workouts benefit blood pressure and heart health (8/). Resistance training exercises (weight lifting) also supports heart health including heart variability. This remains true for both heavy weight lifting and high-rep, low weight exercises (9). Sedentary living, on the other hand, can destroy heart health. Reverse the risk: Start moving! Choose an exercise you like, and get your heart rate up. You can even use walking at a higher pace for better heart health. Here are 10 amazing benefits of walking! 4. ALLOW STRESS TO BUILD High levels of mental stress can be devastating to your heart, brain, immune system, and overall health. In fact, chronically elevated cortisol levels can affect all our body’s systems. How? Cortisol is a hormone that’s released by the adrenal glands when the body faces stress. In modern times, this stress is often more mental than physical and usually has no outlet. For many, it’s chronic. It builds. And, it does damage. High blood cortisol levels are correlated with weight gain and impaired loss, negative impacts on mood, sleep and energy, an increased incidence of blood sugar, potentially lower brain volume and impaired memory, and heart health issues including altered blood pressure (10). Don’t let stress bring you down. Reverse the Risk: You can learn to fight high cortisol each day. Try our 10 effective tools to combat daily stress! Make sure to add Nature’s Best Stress Relief: Dr. Colbert’s Nano-Science Hemp Oil. 5. STIFFEN UP EVERY YEAR YOU AGE In addition to ignoring cardiovascular exercise, ignoring flexibility can destroy heart health. Amazingly, the flexibility of your spinal cord and spine directly correlated with the flexibility of your arteries. Again, flexible arteries are crucial for healthy blood pressures and overall health. As crazy as it sounds, researchers have found that poor trunk flexibility is associated with stiff arteries. This means that keeping your body flexible enough to touch your toes means better artery health and blood pressure (11). Incredibly, one study of a stretching program found better blood pressure results from stretching than from walking (12)! In addition, a strong, flexible spinal cord allows you to maintain good posture, with your head and neck upright, rather than forward. It promotes better range of motion of your limbs, making it easier to lift, walk up and down stairs, stay active, and remain injury free. Reverse Your Risk: Stay flexible by working on trunk, spine, and limb flexibility every day. Do this in addition to other exercises. 6. DON’T PAY ATTENTION TO BLOOD SUGARS OR WEIGHT Exercise and healthy eating promote healthy body weight and blood sugars. On the other hand, not engaging in these activities can destroy heart health. Being in a state of overweight or obesity directly impacts heart health. In fact, excess adipose fat is correlated with impaired blood sugars and poor cardiovascular outcomes. Elevated blood sugars contribute to stiffened arteries (13). What’s more, while your starting total cholesterol is highly influenced by familial history, age, sex, and ethnicity (13), changes in total cholesterol are primarily achieved by weight loss (if overweight), diet, and exercise (14). You can make changes rather than destroy heart health! Reverse the Risk: The best place to start in achieving a healthy weight and blood sugars is Beyond Keto Book. Also, read these tips on healthy weight and tips for breaking a plateau. 7. SKIMP ON SLEEP Sleep is an elixir for many ailments. Lack of sleep, on the other hand, can destroy heart health. In fact, a new study of 1,654 participants aged 20-74 years looked at sleep and its effects on those with chronic health conditions. It followed these participants for 20 years. The researchers found that participants with existing high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes, who slept less than 6 hours per night, were 1.8 times likely to die of heart disease or stroke. Unfortunately, 45% of Americans have these conditions, and the majority do not get enough quality sleep (15). The study was published earlier this month in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Improve your heart health with better sleep. Reverse the Risk: Not sure how to get better sleep? Look no further than these tips for a better night’s sleep. 8. ISOLATE YOURSELF Loneliness can strike anyone, even those surrounded by people. Unfortunately, loneliness can contribute to worsened heart health. It’s never been more important to seek out others and prioritize relationships. Why? Your heart depends on it. In 2010, a loneliness study shocked researchers. A research team from Brigham Young University looked at 148 studies, representing more than 308,000 participants for mortality risk factors. The researchers found a 50% increase in survival for those who were NOT lonely and had strong social relationships compared to those who didn’t. This finding was consistent with other strong risk factors of premature death, including known cardiovascular risk factors (16). Next, the same lead researcher performed a subsequent meta-analysis in 2015, representing more than 3.4 million people and found similar results. These included a 29%, 26%, and 32% increased risk of premature death for social isolation, loneliness, and living alone, respectively (17). Yet another study from Denmark found that heart health patients who were also lonely were about twice as likely to die from heart attacks and/or heart disease than those who were not lonely. Tragically, this is indeed very similar to the mortality rate of smoking cigarettes. Reverse the Risk: Do whatever necessary to reach out to others and prioritize relationships. Look at church groups, healthy social groups, and friends, whether in person or online. 9. FORGET GRATITUDE It can be easy to forget gratitude. Some days, months, or even years roll by that feel more dismal than others. However, gratitude, even when forced, can change everything including heart health. There is emerging scientific evidence to support the idea that a simple daily practice of gratitude can dramatically affect our susceptibility to cardiovascular issues. How? Gratitude affects both cortisol and our motivation for a healthy lifestyle. By first lowering stress, it supports heart health directly. By improving our outlook and mood toward healthy lifestyle habits, it improves heart health indirectly (18, 19, 20). Reverse the Risk: You can work on gratitude starting right now! Try just listing 2-3 things you are grateful for each day, and continue to build the list. Small things, big things, anything. To learn more about gratitude, try our 15 tips for making gratitude stick. 10. IGNORE TRIGLYCERIDES AND SUBTYPES OF CHOLESTEROL When most people think of heart health indicators or lab tests, they think of total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL. Interestingly, more and more practitioners are looking elsewhere. The ratio of triglycerides (TG) to HDL is emerging as one of the most important cardiovascular risk factors. In fact, when you calculate this ratio, you can infer your health risk of cardiovascular issues, blood sugar issues, inflammation and more. In addition, there are very important subtypes of cholesterol, called subset A and subset B. These numbers are extremely important (21, 22). Looking only at total cholesterol and ignoring triglycerides can destroy heart health. Reverse the Risk: Learn everything you need to know about cholesterol, subsets, and triglycerides! Take our quiz now! Bottom Line: Don’t destroy heart health this year! Instead, reverse your risk. Our simple tips can help you bolster your heart health, starting today. To read the original article click here.

The post 10 Ways to Destroy Heart Health appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Ultraprocessed Foods Now Comprise 2/3 of Calories in Children and Teen Diets

AHA Publisher — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 07:00:42 +0000

Tufts University via Newswise – The calories that children and adolescents consumed from ultraprocessed foods jumped from 61% to 67% of total caloric intake from 1999 to 2018, according to a new study from researchers at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science & Policy at Tufts University. Published August 10, 2021, in JAMA, the study analyzed dietary intake from 33,795 children and adolescents nationwide. “Some whole grain breads and dairy foods are ultraprocessed, and they’re healthier than other ultraprocessed foods. Processing can keep food fresher longer, allows for food fortification and enrichment, and enhances consumer convenience,” said senior and corresponding author Fang Fang Zhang, nutrition epidemiologist at the Friedman School. “But many ultraprocessed foods are less healthy, with more sugar and salt, and less fiber, than unprocessed and minimally processed foods, and the increase in their consumption by children and teenagers is concerning.” The largest spike in calories came from such ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat dishes as takeout and frozen pizza and burgers: from 2.2% to 11.2% of calories. The second largest spike in calories came from packaged sweet snacks and desserts, the consumption of which grew from 10.6% to 12.9%. There was a larger increase in the consumption of ultraprocessed foods among non-Hispanic Blacks (10.3%) and Mexican Americans (7.6%) than non-Hispanic Whites (5.2%). Trends in other racial/ethnic groups were not assessed due to lack of sufficient data that allow for nationally representative estimates across survey cycles. There were no statistically significant differences in the overall findings by parental education and family income. “The lack of disparities based on parental education and family income indicates that ultraprocessed foods are pervasive in children’s diets,” said Zhang. “This finding supports the need for researchers to track trends in food consumption more fully, taking into account consumption of ultraprocessed foods.” Over the study period, calories from often healthier unprocessed or minimally processed foods decreased from 28.8% to 23.5%. The remaining percentage of calories came from moderately processed foods such as cheese and canned fruits and vegetables, and consumer-added flavor enhancers such as sugar, honey, maple syrup, and butter. There was good news: Calories from sugar-sweetened beverages dropped from 10.8% to 5.3% of overall calories, a 51% drop. “This finding shows the benefits of the concerted campaign over the past few years to reduce overall consumption of sugary drinks,” said Zhang. “We need to mobilize the same energy and level of commitment when it comes to other unhealthy ultraprocessed foods such as cakes, cookies, doughnuts and brownies.” “In additional analyses, we compared the composition of ultraprocessed foods to non-ultra processed foods using data from the 2017-2018 period. We found that ultraprocessed foods contain a substantially higher percent of calories from carbohydrates and added sugars, and higher levels of sodium, but also had less fiber and a lower percentage of calories from protein,” said the study’s first author, Lu Wang, a postdoctoral fellow at the Friedman School. “Food processing is an often-overlooked dimension in nutrition research. We may need to consider that ultraprocessing of some foods may be associated with health risks, independent of the poor nutrient profile of ultraprocessed foods generally,” concluded Zhang. Ultraprocessed Foods Ultraprocessed foods are ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat items often high in added sugar, sodium, and carbohydrates, and low in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They typically contain added sugars, hydrogenated oils, and flavor enhancers. Examples include packaged sweet snacks and desserts, sugary breakfast cereals, French fries, fast food burgers, and some lunchmeats such as bologna and salami. When consumed in excess, these foods are linked with diabetes, obesity, and other serious medical conditions, such as certain cancers. Methodology This new study is part of a series led by Friedman School researchers investigating patterns and trends in diet quality among U.S. adults and children. The study characterized trends in ultraprocessed food consumption among U.S. children aged 2-19 years from 1999 to 2018, overall and among population subgroups, using data from 10 consecutive cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). It further assessed major ultraprocessed food subgroups consumed by U.S. children in the latest cycle of NHANES (2017-2018) and associated nutrient profiles. The average age of participants was 10.7 years and was roughly equally divided between boys and girls. It relied on 24-hour dietary recall interviews conducted by trained personnel; older children and teens directly reported on the foods they ate while parents and caregivers did so for younger children. The percentage of calories consumed by participants was determined using the NOVA food classification system developed by researchers at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. To read the original article click here.

The post Ultraprocessed Foods Now Comprise 2/3 of Calories in Children and Teen Diets appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Study Shows Junk Food Harms Children’s Bone Quality

AHA Publisher — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 07:00:09 +0000

Abigail Klein Leichman via Israel21c – Parents may want to consider limiting their children’s consumption of ultra-processed packaged foods not only because these foods can lead to obesity and diabetes. They may also stunt bone growth. A definitive link between ultra-processed foods and reduced bone quality in the development stage was revealed by a team of researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The study, led by Prof. Efrat Monsonego-Ornan and Janna Zaretsky from the Department of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition at the university’s Faculty of Agriculture, was published in the journal Bone Research. This is the first comprehensive study of the effect of widely available processed food products on skeletal development. Junk food is popular with consumers – and especially with children — because it’s tasty, easily accessible, relatively inexpensive and ready to eat. However, ultra-processed items often are high in refined sugar, fat, salt and preservatives, while lacking protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals required for growth and cellular function. Many also contain non-dietary ingredients. It was already known that the increasing consumption of junk food around the world has directly contributed to increased obesity and other metabolic conditions in people of all ages. However, few studies have focused on its direct developmental effects of a junk food-heavy diet on children, particularly young children. And none have looked at the effect on bones. Impaired Bone Development The Hebrew University study focused on three-week-old to nine-week-old lab rats whose skeletons were in the stages of growth from weaning to puberty. The rats that were fed a diet of ultra-processed foods high in fat and sugar suffered from growth retardation and their bone strength was negatively affected. Under the microscope, the researchers detected high levels of cartilage buildup in the rats’ growth plates, the “engine” of bone growth. Additional tests found that the RNA genetic profiles of cartilage cells in the rats eating junk food showed characteristics of impaired bone development. Harmful Even in Reduced Amounts The scientists then experimented with differing levels of processed foods in the lab rats’ diet to analyze how specific eating habits might impact bone development. “We divided the rodents’ weekly nutritional intake—30 percent came from a ‘controlled’ diet, and 70 percent from ultra-processed foods,” said Monsonego-Ornan. This diet caused moderate damage to bone density although there were fewer indications of cartilage buildup in the rats’ growth plates. “Our conclusion was that even in reduced amounts, the ultra-processed foods can have a definite negative impact on skeletal growth,” she said. A Warning for Parents These findings are significant because children and adolescents are intense consumers of ultra-processed food. According to some estimates, half of all American kids eat junk food every day. “When Carlos Monteiro, one of the world’s leading experts on nutrition, said that there is no such thing as a healthy ultra-processed food, he was clearly right,” said Monsonego-Ornan. “Even if we reduce fats, carbs, nitrates and other known harmful substances, these foods still possess their damaging attributes,” she added. “Every part of the body is prone to this damage and certainly those systems that remain in the critical stages of development.” The authors of the Israel Science Foundation-funded study say their findings “highlight, for the first time, the severe impact of consuming ultra-processed foods on the growing skeleton. This pathology extends far beyond that explained by the known metabolic effects, highlighting bone as a new target for studies of modern diets.” To read the original article click here. For more articles from Israel21c click here.

The post Study Shows Junk Food Harms Children’s Bone Quality appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods and Drinks Could Raise Colorectal Cancer Risk

AHA Publisher — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 07:00:38 +0000

Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) via News-Medical – Consumption of ultra-processed foods and drink could increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. This was the conclusion of a large study undertaken by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a center supported by the “la Caixa” Foundation, based on questionnaires about food behaviors completed by around 8,000 people in Spain. The study, the first of its kind in the country, also analyzed the relationship between ultra-processed food and drink products and two other cancers; while no association was observed with prostate cancer, in the case of breast cancer a higher risk was observed in the sub-group of former and current smokers who reported a diet high in ultra-processed products. Social, economic and industrial changes have driven a rise in ultra-processed food and drink consumption, which currently accounts for between 25% and 50% of the total energy intake in diets in Europe and in high- and middle-income countries. The Nova classification system groups all foods and drinks into four categories according to how much processing they undergo. Ultra-processed foods–those that undergo the most processing–are industrial formulations with more than five ingredients which usually contain additional substances, such as sugar, fats, salt and additives. Examples of products in this category include sugary soft drinks, ready meals and mass-produced industrial baked goods. Several studies have linked the consumption of ultra-processed foods and drinks to health risk factors, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and an increased risk of premature death. There are only a few studies on the relationship of these food products with cancer and the results are not entirely conclusive. A French study found an association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and an increased cancer risk. A Canadian study found an increased risk of developing prostate cancer with a higher intake of processed foods, but not with ultra-processed foods. The aim of the present study was to assess whether the consumption of ultra-processed foods and drinks is associated with an increased risk of colorectal, breast or prostate cancer. To this end, the researchers undertook a case-control study of 7,843 adults living in different Spanish provinces: half of the participants had a diagnosis of colorectal (1,852), breast (1,486) or prostate cancer (953); and the other half were people with the same characteristics who did not have cancer. Data were obtained from the multicase-control study MCC-Spain. Dietary data was collected using a validated questionnaire designed to evaluate the frequency of consumption of usual food and drink items over a one-year period. The results were then classified according to the level of processing using the Nova classification. The study, published in Clinical Nutrition, concluded that the consumption of ultra-processed foods and beverages is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer: a 10% increment in the consumption of ultra-processed foods and drinks was found to be associated with an 11% increase in the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Dora Romaguera, first author of the study and researcher at ISGlobal, the Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBA) and the CIBEROBN, says that this relationship can be explained, in part, “by the low intake of fiber, fruits and vegetables, which are known to offer protection against colorectal cancer, among people who eat a lot of ultra-processed foods, but also by the additives and other substances with carcinogenic potential typically used in processed food products.” In the case of breast cancer, no strong relationship was found, but an association was observed in the group of current and former smokers. Romaguera explains that “smoking is a risk factor for breast cancer, and smoking and certain dietary factors, such as the consumption of ultra-processed foods and beverages, are known to have synergetic effects on cancer development.” No association was found between prostate cancer and a diet high in ultra-processed products. This finding is not surprising and is consistent with the results of previous studies of dietary factors and prostate cancer risk, in which no link was found.” Dora Romaguera, Researcher, ISGlobal Colorectal and Breast Cancer Cases: Less Healthy Diets The results of the study showed that people with breast and colorectal cancer, but not those with prostate cancer, reported less healthy diets than people without cancer in the control group. “We found differences in terms of their intake of energy, fiber, energy density and saturated fatty acids. Consumption of ultra-processed foods and beverages was higher among colorectal and breast cancer cases than in the controls”, says ISGlobal researcher Sílvia Fernández, joint first author of the study. The food groups that accounted for the largest proportion of ultra-processed food consumption were sugary beverages (35%), sugary products (19%), ready-to-eat foods (16%) and processed meats (12%). Processed meats have already been classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). However, according to Pilar Amiano, researcher at the Guipúzcoa Public Health Service, which coordinated the study: “ultra-processed foods and drinks in general are not yet classified as carcinogenic because the aim of the IARC was not to assess the overall risk of an individual’s diet, but rather to focus on specific components that might be dangerous, such as processed meats”. She goes on to say that, in light of the results of the present study and the current scientific evidence on the health risks associated with ultra-processed foods and drinks, in particular with respect to cancer, the authors believe “that food and public health policies and the IARC should already be taking food processing into account and discouraging the consumption of ultra-processed products”. To read the original article click here.

The post Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods and Drinks Could Raise Colorectal Cancer Risk appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.