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Processed foods could mean an early death sentence for those who eat too much, such as ice cream, pizza and bacon.
Two separate studies published in France and Spain in the British Medical Journal this week suggest that the consumption of processed foods increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and increases the risk of mortality.
Those who ate the most ultra-processed foods had an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
Researchers at the University of Paris have collected data on the diet and health of more than 105,000 people aged 18 and over in the past five years. Those who ate the most "ultra-processed" foods (usually composed of ingredients like sugar, saturated fats, preservatives and sweeteners) had an increased risk of heart attack, stroke. and other cardiovascular problems.
Here's what the first study found:
• The study found that nearly 18% of men's diets consisted of highly processed foods. Women's diets, on the other hand, accounted for 17.3% of processed foods.
• When the consumption of over-processed foods has increased by 10 percentage points (eg from 10% to 20%), the risk of contracting these deadly diseases has jumped by 12%.
• The researchers concluded that 27,000 cases of cardiovascular disease would occur each year in 100,000 people who heavily consume ultra-processed foods compared to those who do not consume them.
In the second study, also published in the BMJ, researchers from the University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain, documented the eating habits of more than 20,000 graduates of Spanish universities between 1999 and 2014.
Here's what the second study found:
• People who consumed heavily processed foods (more than four servings a day) had an increased risk of premature death of 62% compared to those who consumed less frequently.
• Worse, eating each extra portion increases the risk of death by 18%. Ultra-processed foods are probably to blame, said researcher Maria Bes-Rastrollo.
Of course, completely cutting processed foods can be a challenge for many American families, said Young. And eating a diet consisting primarily of whole foods can cost a lot more. So, if you consume five servings of processed foods a day, Young suggests you start by reducing it to at least three and try to reduce that consumption.
Those who follow an ultra-processed diet can consume up to 500 calories more per day compared to those who consume whole foods.
"Not everyone can afford to completely cut processed foods. Try to make your meals a real meal, then you can treat yourself to a treat. Do not eat prepared meals, and then dessert, "Registered Dietitian Lisa Young, author of" Finally Full, Finally Slim "told MarketWatch.
Many Americans rely on processed foods to eat affordable and convenient, but their health eventually pays the price. According to a study published in the journal Cell Metabolism, those who follow an ultra-processed diet could consume up to 500 more calories per day compared to those who consume whole foods.
In this study, the unprocessed diet cost 40% more than an ultra-processed diet.
The Food Processing Suppliers Association and the SNAC Association, the international professional association for the snack food industry, did not immediately return a request for comment.
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