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Ultra-processed foods now make up nearly 60% of calories in the average U.S. adult's diet. These highly manufactured items are increasingly dominating American eating habits. A major U.S. cohort study involving over 100,000 participants, found that those with the highest intake of ultra-processed foods had a 41% greater risk of lung cancer compared to those with the lowest intake.
The rise of ultra-processed foods in U.S. diets is deeply concerning, as they are typically made through extensive industrial processing and contain numerous additives, including preservatives, emulsifiers, artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners. These can be added to ice cream, sugary sodas, frozen pizzas and burgers, processed meats, and packaged instant meals, loading them with excess sugars, sodium, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives.
These latest findings are alarming and reinforce earlier research from large-scale studies that has consistently associated higher intake of these convenient but heavily engineered foods with numerous negative health effects, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and shorter overall lifespan.
The study found, that, even after adjusting for smoking status, overall diet quality, and other confounders, the increased lung cancer risk was observed for both non-small cell and small cell subtypes. On average, participants consumed almost 3 servings of ultra-processed foods daily, with lunch meats accounting for 11%, diet or caffeinated soft drinks 7%, and decaffeinated soft drinks 6%.
Making wise food choices plays a big role in making a person healthier. Take a closer look at ingredient lists and opt for products with fewer additives. Focus on building your diet around fresh produce, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds to support better health.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Association between ultra-processed food consumption and lung cancer risk: a population-based cohort study
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