Tag

Processed Foods

All articles tagged with #processed foods

Everyday Food Preservatives Tied to Higher Blood Pressure and Heart Disease Risk
health7 days ago

Everyday Food Preservatives Tied to Higher Blood Pressure and Heart Disease Risk

A large observational study of 112,395 participants followed for up to ~8 years finds that high intake of non-antioxidant preservatives is linked to increased hypertension risk (and higher cardiovascular disease risk), with some antioxidant preservatives also associated with hypertension. While causality cannot be established, the researchers call for reevaluating additive regulations and promoting minimally processed foods.

Food Quality Trumps Macros for Heart Health, Large Study Finds
health1 month ago

Food Quality Trumps Macros for Heart Health, Large Study Finds

A Harvard-led analysis of nearly 200,000 U.S. health professionals followed for about 30 years finds heart health improves when diets emphasize quality—vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy fats—while reducing processed foods and excess animal fats, rather than simply counting carbs or fats; this is linked to better cholesterol, lower inflammation, and a lower risk of coronary heart disease, with the study spanning over 5.2 million person-years and published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

health1 month ago

Protein, fiber and a stroll: the breakfast rethink for better health

The article argues that many so-called healthy breakfasts rely on refined carbs and added sugars, which spike blood sugar and hunger. It recommends breakfasts centered on protein and fiber using minimally processed foods (eggs, plain yogurt, oats, whole grains) to stabilize glucose and satiety. It also advises increasing daily fiber, limiting processed meats, avoiding juice over whole fruit, and highlighting a post-dinner 10–20 minute walk as an effective way to improve blood sugar regulation. Simple, consistent habits—more whole foods, more fiber, more movement—are emphasized over expensive wellness products.

French Study Finds Common Food Preservatives May Raise Hypertension and Heart Disease Risk
health1 month ago

French Study Finds Common Food Preservatives May Raise Hypertension and Heart Disease Risk

A large French NutriNet-Santé study of 112,395 volunteers followed for about seven to eight years links higher intake of common food preservatives to increased risks of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, with eight additives notably associated with high blood pressure; researchers call for re-evaluating additives and prioritizing minimally processed foods.

Ultra-processed foods linked to higher death risk for cancer survivors
health3 months ago

Ultra-processed foods linked to higher death risk for cancer survivors

An observational Italian study of more than 800 cancer survivors followed nearly 18 years found that those with the highest intake of ultraprocessed foods had a 48% higher risk of death from any cause and a 57% higher risk of death from cancer compared with those with the lowest intake. The association persisted after adjusting for overall diet quality, suggesting that how foods are processed may influence long-term health beyond nutrient content. The researchers recommend minimally processed, home-cooked meals, but note limitations like self-reported diets and lack of cancer-stage data, so causation cannot be established.

Quality Diet, Not Carbs or Fats, Linked to Better Heart Health in Large Study
health4 months ago

Quality Diet, Not Carbs or Fats, Linked to Better Heart Health in Large Study

A Harvard-led study of nearly 200,000 US health professionals over about 30 years finds that heart health hinges on diet quality, not just low carbs or low fat. Diets rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats, with few processed foods and excessive animal proteins/fats, are linked to better cholesterol, lower inflammation, and a lower risk of coronary heart disease—supporting flexible eating patterns focused on food quality.

Big BMJ Study Links Some Everyday Preservatives to Slightly Higher Cancer Risk
health4 months ago

Big BMJ Study Links Some Everyday Preservatives to Slightly Higher Cancer Risk

A BMJ study tracking more than 100,000 people for nearly 15 years found that higher intake of several common food preservatives—such as sulfites, nitrates/nitrites, potassium sorbate, and related additives—was associated with a modestly higher overall cancer risk. The researchers emphasize that this is an association, not causation, and results may reflect broader ultra-processed diet patterns; experts advise moderating processed foods, reading labels, and prioritizing whole foods while encouraging safer preservation methods.

Common food preservatives show modest cancer risk signals in a large diet study
news4 months ago

Common food preservatives show modest cancer risk signals in a large diet study

A Sorbonne-led study of 105,260 adults tracked detailed dietary records over about 7.5 years and found modest cancer risk signals for higher intake of several non-antioxidant preservatives (notably potassium sorbate, sulfites, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrate, acetates, and acetic acid), while total preservative intake showed no overall cancer link. Antioxidant preservatives (erythorbates) showed fewer signals. The results are observational and do not prove causation, but researchers say the findings warrant closer scrutiny and could inform potential regulatory review and a push toward less-processed foods.