Some of these foods can be part of a healthy lifestyle
Food classification in natureprocessed and ultra-processed foods can serve as a good parameter for a healthier eating pattern. But that doesn’t mean all ultra-processed foods should be demonized.
A recent study, published in European Journal of Clinical Nutritiondemonstrates that there is insufficient evidence that ultraprocessing alone causes adverse health effects. In other words: the quality of the ingredients also counts in this equation.
Ultra-processed foods have differences
The purpose of processing is to make foods more available and safe for consumers. But there are different subgroups of ultra-processed foods: “There are those rich in additives and poor in nutrients, but there are also those that have preservatives and can be part of a healthy eating pattern,” explains nutritionist Marcella Garcez, director and professor at the Brazilian Association of Nutrology (Abran).
Several recent studies have found associations between consumption of ultra-processed products and adverse health outcomes, including increased risk of obesity, overweight, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. The researchers also found that individuals who consume the maximum amount of ultra-processed foods may be at increased risk of all-cause mortality.
“In this group, however, it is necessary to separate the wheat from the chaff. Reading the label, identifying the ingredients used, is more beneficial than simply including all food products in the same category to judge them as good or bad,” he stressed. adds Marcella.
Limitations of the studies
According to the study, the results of scientific studies showing correlations between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and poor health have often been interpreted causally. In other words: they send the message that consuming ultra-processed foods is causing poor health outcomes.
However, the studies are primarily observational, so causality cannot be inferred and confounding factors may play a role. “In these studies, researchers must also assume that measurements of food intake are precise and accurate, that the composition of the food is known and can be characterized quantitatively, and that the results are not affected by storage, cooking, and preparation of food,” says the doctor.
One step in the right direction, he says, is a recent study that focused on the contribution of emulsifiers, finding that some (but not all) of them were linked to the likelihood of developing certain types of cancer and overall cancer risk. However, the researchers caution that extending these findings to all emulsifiers is incorrect, as many were not associated with cancer risk.
All in the same basket
A big problem, according to the doctor, is that studies can lump different ultraprocessed food groups into a single category and that many published articles do not explicitly mention subgroup analysis. However, even within a single study, different subgroups can show significantly different relationships with health outcomes.
“For example, although some ultra-processed foods (including sauces, margarine and foods containing ultra-processed fats) may be associated with a higher risk of diabetes, cancer or heart disease, there is evidence that others, such as ultra-processed grains processed foods or bread, may have a protective effect.” , says the doctor.
Studies linking ultra-processed foods with mortality found that the majority of this relationship stemmed from ultra-processed beverages. “It’s also important to point out that the lack of subgroup analyzes in many studies means that some ultra-processed foods such as whey protein, dark chocolate and yogurt may be unfairly grouped with those that pose health risks more significant, further complicating public health messages.” , complete.
In short, not all ultra-processed foods may pose health risks. For the clinician, strengthening the current evidence requires presenting results for all ultra-processed food groups and not combining them into a single category. “We should also focus on ultra-processed foods that can be ‘nutritionally beneficial’ and protective against some diseases,” he concludes.
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.
