Tag

Ultra Processed Foods

All articles tagged with #ultra processed foods

health2 days ago•4 min saved

Processed Carbs, Not Taste: A New Take on Overeating

An op-ed argues that obesity isn’t driven mainly by how tasty foods are; instead, fast-digesting carbohydrates raise blood sugar quickly, triggering hunger and cravings, with brain-reward circuits (nucleus accumbens) activated after sugar spikes. Palatability influences what we eat, not how much, and targeting ultra-processed foods would be a blunt policy tool. The author urges focusing on processed carbohydrates to improve satiety and reduce cravings, suggesting it’s possible to enjoy foods—potentially even in a low-carb balance—without overeating.

via statnews.com|

#brain-reward #health #obesity

health11 days ago•263 min saved

Eating Ultra-Processed Foods May Jump Heart Disease Risk by 67%, Study Finds

A Prevention-backed study followed 6,814 U.S. adults aged 45–84 without cardiovascular disease for 12 years and found that those who consumed the most ultra-processed foods (about 9 servings per day) were 67% more likely to have a major cardiovascular event than those with about 1.1 servings daily. Each additional daily serving was linked to roughly a 5.1% higher risk, with a stronger pattern seen among Black participants. The results show a correlation, not causation. Ultra-processed foods (e.g., packaged breads, ready meals, sugary snacks) may raise risk by replacing healthier options and adding high sodium, refined carbs, and added sugars. Experts advocate focusing on overall dietary patterns (e.g., Mediterranean-like diets) and an 80/20 approach rather than demonizing single snacks.

via AOL.com|

#diet-patterns #epidemiology #health

health13 days ago•5 min saved

Nine Daily Ultra-Processed Servings Linked to 67% Heart-Risk Rise

A 12-year study of 6,814 U.S. adults found that those averaging about nine servings per day of ultra-processed foods had a 67% higher risk of major cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or related death) than those eating ~1 serving. Risk rose about 5.1% with each additional daily serving. The relationship is observational, not causal, with stronger signals among Black participants. The practical take: limit ultra-processed foods and emphasize whole, minimally processed options, aiming for a Mediterranean-style pattern.

via prevention.com|

#cardiovascular-risk #diet-patterns #health

health14 days ago•2 min saved

Nine Daily Servings of Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Higher Heart Risk

A study of more than 6,800 U.S. adults, presented at the ACC Scientific Session and published in JACC Advances, found that consuming more than nine servings of ultra-processed foods daily increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death by about 67% compared with one serving, with each extra daily serving raising risk by roughly 5%; risk is higher for Black Americans, and experts suggest labeling and limiting ultra-processed items and practical strategies to replace them with healthier options.

via WTOP|

#american-college-of-cardiology #health #heart-disease-risk

health17 days ago•4 min saved

Fuel Your Gut, Protect Your Heart: 3 Science-Backed Habits

A Vanderbilt-led study linking gut bacteria–related metabolites to coronary heart disease identifies three practical habits to boost gut health and lower heart risk: eat mostly plant-based, high-fiber, minimally processed foods (prefer diverse fiber); cook from scratch to cut ultra-processed items; and exercise regularly, which supports a healthier gut microbiome and may reduce cardiovascular risk.

via Business Insider|

#gut-health #gut-microbiome #health

health18 days ago•4 min saved

Ultra-Processed Diet Linked to Lower Fertility Odds for Women

A study analyzing NHANES data found that women with higher consumption of ultra-processed foods had about 60% lower odds of conceiving within a year, while those who ate more whole foods had better odds. The foods may expose the body to chemicals like phthalates, BPA and acrylamides that can disrupt hormones, though the study is observational and does not prove causation. Reducing UPFs and increasing whole foods could potentially improve fertility chances.

via New York Post|

#fertility #health #nhanes

health20 days ago•5 min saved

Ultra-processed diets raise heart risk, hitting Black Americans hardest

A diverse US study of about 6,800 adults over roughly 12 years found that each daily serving of ultra-processed foods is linked to higher cardiovascular risk, with Black Americans experiencing nearly double the per-serving increase (6.1% vs 3.2% for other groups); the study, using MESA data, points to foods like chips, white bread, soda and candy and suggests that higher risk may be driven by salt, sugar and fats and by broader structural factors affecting access to healthy foods, though causality can’t be proven.

via Medical News Today|

#health #heart-disease #mesa-study

health21 days ago•265 min saved

Ultra-Processed Diets Linked to Higher Heart Disease Risk, Study Finds

A diverse U.S. cohort from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis found that each daily serving of ultra-processed foods increases heart-disease risk, with Black Americans facing about a 6.1% per-serving rise versus 3.2% for other groups. Those with the highest ultra-processed intake averaged ~4 servings per day and were ~67% more likely to develop heart disease. Foods like chips, white bread, pizza, soda and candy made up about 28% of daily intake. While the findings reinforce known risks of ultra-processed diets and highlight disparities tied to food access and environment, they show association, not causation, and call for improved access to affordable, healthy options.

via AOL.com|

#black-americans #diet #health

health-and-medicine22 days ago•3 min saved

Ultra-Processed Diets Linked to Lower Fertility Odds in Women, McMaster Study Finds

A U.S. study analyzing NHANES data from over 2,500 women found that higher intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with about 60% lower odds of conceiving, independent of age, weight and lifestyle factors. A Mediterranean-style diet showed a positive link to fertility, though the benefit diminished when obesity was accounted for. The researchers cite possible hormonal disruption from additives and chemicals in processed foods; the study is cross-sectional, so it shows association, not causation.

via McMaster News|

#chemical-exposures #diet-quality #health-and-medicine

climate25 days ago•18 min saved

Yuka scans labels to push healthier processed foods

A Washington Post climate column outlines how the Yuka food-scanning app rates processed foods by nutrition, additives, and organic certification, empowering consumers to pressure brands toward healthier reformulations; the piece highlights Julie Chapon’s experience discovering a Nestlé Fitness cereal contained sugar despite years of healthy-label assumptions.

via The Washington Post|

#climate #healthy-eating #mobile-apps

health1 month ago•18 min saved

Ultra-processed foods tied to behavior issues in preschoolers, study says

A University of Toronto–led analysis of 2,077 Canadian three-year-olds found that higher ultra-processed food intake at age three is linked to more behavioral and emotional problems by age five; for every 10% increase in calories from UPFs, children showed higher internalizing (anxiety, fear) and externalizing (aggression, hyperactivity) scores, with sweets, breads, and ready-to-eat dishes among the main contributors. Researchers urge a holistic view that considers environmental factors and caution against blaming families, noting the long-term impact of early dietary habits.

via Global News|

#behavior #canada #child-cohort-study

climate1 month ago•17 min saved

The Superfood Label Is Marketing hype, Not Science

Washington Post Climate Coach columnist Michael J. Coren argues that the term ‘superfood’ has no legal or scientific definition and is driven by marketing. The piece recounts how blueberries helped launch the trend in 1995 and notes roughly $190 billion is spent annually on promoted superfoods, but urges readers to focus on a varied, nutrient-rich diet rather than chasing labels or hype to improve health.

via The Washington Post|

#climate #diets-and-dieting #healthy-eating

business1 month ago•3 min saved

Target to ditch cereals with artificial colours by May end

Target will stop selling breakfast cereals made with synthetic colours by the end of May, part of a broader push to curb ultra-processed foods amid consumer and political pressure. Walmart has similar plans for its private-label products by 2027, while Target says 85% of its cereal sales already come from cereals without synthetic dyes. General Mills says it will remove certified synthetic colours from US cereals by this summer; Kellogg has not yet commented. The move aligns with wider health-policy efforts linked to Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again movement.

via BBC|

#artificial-colours #business #cereals

health1 month ago•36 min saved

Snack hijack: study links Coca-Cola Oreos to cigarette-like cravings

Researchers warn that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) such as Coca-Cola–flavored Oreos are engineered to hijack the brain’s reward system, fueling cravings and overconsumption; they draw parallels with tobacco, urging stricter regulation, advertising limits, and clearer labeling to curb diet-related health risks.

via Yahoo|

#addiction #coca-cola-oreos #health

health1 month ago•265 min saved

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.

via AOL.com|

#association-not-causation #cancer #food-preservatives