Impacts and dangers of ultra-processed foods you need to know
Summary
A recent study published in the journal BMJ Global Health suggests that excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods is directly associated with an increased risk of mortality from various causes. The study revealed that individuals with higher consumption of ultra-processed foods had a 20% higher risk of death.
Advances in the production and consumption of ultra-processed foods have brought to light a relevant debate on their impact on public health. These products, which range from soft drinks to frozen ready meals, are characterized by a high concentration of fats, sugars, salt and a variety of chemical additives with the aim of improving their flavour, aroma and appearance.
The recent study published in the journal BMJ Global Health highlights that excessive consumption of these foods is directly associated with an increased risk of mortality from various causes. With more than 100,000 participants followed over a decade, the study revealed that individuals with the highest consumption of ultra-processed foods had a 20 percent greater risk of death.
The importance of this discovery lies not only in the number of associated premature deaths – estimated at 57,000 per year among Brazilians aged 30 to 69 – but also in the preventative potential that reducing the consumption of these foods could bring.
Research suggests that bringing consumption back to the levels of ten years ago could prevent 21% of these deaths, highlighting the urgency of policies focused on promoting healthier diets.
You can’t even call it food…
Renata Domingues de Nóbrega, a doctor specializing in Nutrology, explains that ultra-processed foods are defined as industrial formulations consisting mainly of substances derived from food, often chemically modified. This characteristic makes them poor in essential nutrients while being rich in calories, favoring a vicious cycle of low satiety and excessive consumption.
“The result is an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even cancer, the latter exacerbated by the presence of carcinogens in many of these products,” he says.
The phenomenon of excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods is closely linked to the changing global dietary profile, influenced by the aggressive marketing and convenience of these products. In Brazil, the significant increase in the consumption of these foods, from 12.6% to 18.4% between 2002 and 2018, reflects a worrying trend that requires attention.
This consumption pattern contributes to the replacement of natural or minimally processed foods, essential for a balanced diet, with less healthy options.
Stay away from ultra-processed foods
The recommendation of the Brazilian Population Food Guide is clear: ultra-processed foods should be avoided. There is no safe level for consuming these products, which are designed to induce overeating through hyperpalatableity, an industrial strategy for activating the brain’s reward systems and promoting addiction.
“This guidance is critical not only to prevent chronic diseases, but also to combat the alarming rise in metabolic diseases and cancer, which continue to be a leading cause of death worldwide.
Therefore, it is imperative to rethink our eating patterns, favoring the consumption of fresh and minimally processed foods. Public policies must be aimed at educating the population on the risks associated with the consumption of ultra-processed foods and encouraging healthy eating practices”, says the doctor.
Adopting a more natural diet not only benefits individual health, but has the potential to have a positive impact on public health by reducing the burden of chronic disease in society.
“This moment requires deep reflection on food choices and the food production model. Change begins with information and awareness about the impacts of our food choices, both on our health and on the environment. With this approach we can move towards a healthier and more sustainable future”, concludes Renata Domingues de Nóbrega.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
