In today’s fast-paced world, ultra-processed foods—like packaged snacks, soft drinks, and ready-made meals—have become a staple for many. They’re quick and convenient, but at what cost to your health? A new umbrella review examined 14 meta-analyses covering data from nearly 10 million people and found a troubling link between ultra-processed food consumption and several health risks.
Eating more ultra-processed foods was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, and even premature death. The analysis provided convincing evidence of these risks, further supporting the need for a diet rich in natural, whole foods and low in processed options.
Reference: BMJ 2024;384