By Amir Mohammad
Public Health
Dr. Amir Mohammad
Adopting healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, managing stress and avoiding tobacco can help to maintain heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
In a study recently published in the British Medical Journal, researchers analyzed data from “45 pooled meta-analyses” across 14 review articles, encompassing nearly 10 million individuals. The findings revealed “convincing evidence” linking higher consumption of ultra-processed foods to a 50 percent increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, a 48 to 53 percent higher risk of anxiety and common mental disorders, and a 12 percent greater likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, the study indicated “highly suggestive evidence” associating diets rich in ultra-processed foods with a 21 percent higher risk of death from any cause.
Some examples of ultra-processed foods are common household items like sugary breakfast cereals; packaged snacks like chips, crackers and cookies; instant noodles and flavored pasta dishes; microwaveable meals and frozen dinners; fast food items like hamburgers, French fries and chicken nuggets; sugary beverages such as soda, energy drinks and sweetened fruit juices; and processed meats like hot dogs, sausages and deli meats.
These foods are highly addictive and often high in calories, unhealthy fats, added sugars and sodium, while being low in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Diets high in ultra-processed foods can have several harmful health effects, including but not limited to weight gain and obesity, as well as increased risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol level, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. Poor digestive health issues such as bloating, constipation and diarrhea can also result from daily consumption of these foods. Some research suggests that diets high in ultra-processed foods may be associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders.
Overall, reducing the intake of ultra-processed foods and opting for whole, minimally processed foods can help promote better health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Dr. Amir Mohammad is the director of public health for the town of Orange.