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How much ultra-processed food do you eat each day? From chips and packaged snacks to frozen meals and sugary drinks, these convenient foods may come with hidden risks. A study has found that people eating multiple servings of ultra-processed foods daily faced an increased risk of cardiovascular events than those consuming just one serving a day.
Although research has established a connection between ultra-processed foods and disease risk, scientists are still working to determine how much consumption may be harmful. The new study suggests that risk increases with intake, meaning that the more ultra-processed foods you eat, the greater your potential risk of chronic disease.
Researchers examined more than 6,000 adults in the U.S. between the ages of 45 through 84 who had no current heart disease. Using questionnaires on their food choices and the NOVA system, that groups foods into classifications based on processing, they assessed participants’ ultra-processed food intake. Over the following years, researchers tracked cardiovascular events to examine the relationship between dietary habits and heart health.
The more ultra-processed foods people ate, the greater their risk of serious heart problems. Adults who consumed around 9 servings a day resulted in a 67% increased risk of a heart related health problem than those who ate about one serving daily. Even more concerning, each additional serving per day saw a 5.1% increase in risk.
To support heart health, pay attention to nutrition labels and ingredient lists when shopping for food. These can help you identify products high in added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats. Whenever possible, prioritize whole or minimally processed foods, including fruits, vegetables, fish, legumes, and nuts. Gradually making these healthier choices can be a practical way to reduce your reliance on ultra-processed foods and support long-term heart health.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Association Between Ultraprocessed Food Consumption and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: MESA (Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis)
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