Tag

Ultra Processed Foods

All articles tagged with #ultra processed foods

A veteran heart surgeon’s five simple rules to safeguard your heart
health13 days ago

A veteran heart surgeon’s five simple rules to safeguard your heart

A US cardiologist with ~8,000 heart surgeries, Dr. Jeremy London, shares five everyday avoidances for heart health: don’t smoke (including vaping and cannabis), steer clear of ultra-processed foods, stay physically active instead of sitting all day, nurture social connections to fight loneliness, and manage chronic stress; these practical steps, aligned with WHO guidance, can lower cardiovascular risk and improve resilience, though they don’t guarantee perfect health.

Six everyday habits quietly damaging your kidneys—and how to protect them
health13 days ago

Six everyday habits quietly damaging your kidneys—and how to protect them

Kidney health can be silently harmed by daily choices: frequent NSAID painkillers, hidden salt in processed foods, a diet dominated by ultra-processed products, mismanaged hydration (not too little or too much), and smoking; plus not regularly checking blood pressure, blood sugar, or kidney function can delay detection of problems—so use painkillers cautiously, watch sodium, opt for minimally processed meals, stay appropriately hydrated, quit smoking, and discuss routine kidney screening with a clinician.

Four simple dietary swaps to extend healthspan, according to Dr. Emanuel
health17 days ago

Four simple dietary swaps to extend healthspan, according to Dr. Emanuel

Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel outlines four practical dietary changes to reduce chronic-disease risk: add fermented foods to nourish gut microbes, cut sugary soda to a minimum, limit ultra-processed snacks, and boost fiber intake with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans; he emphasizes sustainable lifestyle changes over obsessive health tracking and notes occasional treats are fine.

Dad’s preconception diet linked to newborn body composition, study finds
health1 month ago

Dad’s preconception diet linked to newborn body composition, study finds

A Brazilian study of 43 triads found that fathers who consume more ultra-processed foods before conception are associated with higher birth weight and greater fat in specific areas of the newborn’s body, while maternal diet showed the opposite effect. The researchers propose epigenetic mechanisms, including methylation of the IGF-II gene, as a possible link. While intriguing, the small sample size means larger studies are needed, and findings highlight the importance of including men in preconception health guidance.

Vanishing Calories: Why airy snacks may quietly pack on pounds
health1 month ago

Vanishing Calories: Why airy snacks may quietly pack on pounds

A New York Post piece explains 'vanishing caloric density'—airy, quickly dissolving snacks can fool the brain into thinking calories are low, potentially triggering overeating and weight gain. Regular consumption of ultra-processed snacks (chips, cheese puffs, cotton candy, popcorn, etc.) may crowd out nutrient-dense foods and raise risks for diabetes, heart disease and cancer; experts advise choosing whole foods with protein, fiber and healthy fats, checking ingredient lists, and pre-portioning snacks to avoid mindless eating.

Lower cancer rates in poorer nations spark a debate over Western diets
health1 month ago

Lower cancer rates in poorer nations spark a debate over Western diets

A LADbible feature relays a Diary of a CEO discussion with Thomas Seyfried and Steven Bartlett, arguing that traditional, less-processed lifestyles in poorer countries may explain their very low cancer rates, while affluent nations’ diet and exposure to ultra-processed foods and carcinogens could drive higher cancer risk; the piece emphasizes staying away from a 'red zone' processed-food pattern and favoring natural, plant-based options.

Ultra-Processed Diets May Drive Large Heart Disease Toll, Modelling Suggests
health1 month ago

Ultra-Processed Diets May Drive Large Heart Disease Toll, Modelling Suggests

A Canadian modelling study suggests that 23-37% of heart disease cases and 23-38% of heart disease deaths could be linked to ultra-processed foods, implying that reducing UPF intake through policy measures and education could prevent thousands of deaths, though the estimates are model-based and call for further research in other high-income countries.

Cutting Ultra-Processed Foods: Simple Steps to Reset Your Diet
health1 month ago

Cutting Ultra-Processed Foods: Simple Steps to Reset Your Diet

Ultra-processed foods, engineered with sugar, fat and salt, now dominate diets in the UK and US and are linked to inflammation, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cancer and cognitive decline. Experts say the “bliss point” makes UPFs hard to resist, and call for a broad public-health response (labels, marketing restrictions, taxes) alongside practical dietary changes—prioritising whole, minimally processed foods and reducing intake of sweetened beverages, packaged baked goods and processed meats to improve health.

Ultra-Processed Foods Might Hurt Attention and Raise Dementia Risk, Study Shows
health2 months ago

Ultra-Processed Foods Might Hurt Attention and Raise Dementia Risk, Study Shows

A study of more than 2,100 middle‑aged and older Australians found that higher intake of ultra‑processed foods—about 41% of daily calories—was linked to declines in attention and processing speed, with each 10% rise in ultra‑processed consumption associated with worse cognitive function and more dementia risk factors, even among those following generally healthy diets. While the study suggests processing itself may impact brain health, it is observational and does not prove causation. Experts advise limiting ultra‑processed foods and leaning on whole foods and brain‑friendly diets like the Mediterranean or MIND approach to support cognitive health.

Preservatives in processed foods linked to higher heart and blood pressure risks, French study finds
health2 months ago

Preservatives in processed foods linked to higher heart and blood pressure risks, French study finds

A large French observational study of 112,395 adults over ~8 years found that higher intake of total non-antioxidant preservatives was tied to a 29% higher risk of hypertension and a 16% higher risk of cardiovascular disease, while total antioxidant preservatives were linked to a 22% higher hypertension risk. Of 17 preservatives consumed by at least 10% of participants, eight were associated with higher hypertension, including potassium sorbate, sorbic acid, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrite, sodium metabisulphite, potassium metabisulphite, citric acid, and tripotassium citrate; ascorbic acid showed a notable association with higher cardiovascular disease risk. The study is observational and cannot prove causation, and limitations include potential reporting biases and population differences, but researchers suggest favoring natural ingredients and replication in other populations."

Five Inflammatory Culprits to Limit, and Healthier Substitutes to Try
health2 months ago

Five Inflammatory Culprits to Limit, and Healthier Substitutes to Try

Chronic inflammation is linked to diseases like heart disease and diabetes. The article identifies five foods that can raise inflammation—red/processed meats, refined carbohydrates with added sugars, fried foods, ultra-processed products, and excess alcohol—and contrasts them with anti-inflammatory options such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, oily fish, nuts, seeds, and eggs. It also notes that adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, similar to the Mediterranean pattern, may reduce the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer's, and certain cancers.

Hacked cravings: what makes certain ultra-processed foods so addictive
health2 months ago

Hacked cravings: what makes certain ultra-processed foods so addictive

CNN reports that more people may be clinically addicted to ultraprocessed foods (UPFs), driven by highly engineered blends of refined carbs, sugars, salt and fats that create intense, quick rewards. Studies using the Yale Food Addiction Scale suggest rising prevalence, with addictive foods including cookies, doughnuts, chips and fast-food meals—foods that deliver energy-dense, easy-to-digest combos that spike glucose and then crash, promoting overeating. While not everyone becomes addicted and risk varies by genetics and environment, experts warn that the food industry exploits biology, contributing to obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Reading labels, mindful eating, and regulatory debates (such as California’s plan to curb harmful UPFs in schools) are part of the response, though industry groups argue these foods provide nutrients and affordability too.

Processing May Be the Hidden Health Hazard of Ultra-Processed Foods
health2 months ago

Processing May Be the Hidden Health Hazard of Ultra-Processed Foods

A new study finds that ultra-processed foods may harm health not only because of their nutrients but because of how they're made: changes to cellular structure, loss of beneficial compounds, and packaging additives. Using NHANES data, researchers showed that each 10% rise in calories from ultra-processed foods links to worse cardiometabolic markers—higher weight, poorer blood sugar control, higher blood pressure, and worse cholesterol—and to higher risks of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cancer, and all-cause mortality, even after adjusting for nutrient quality and sodium/fat content. With UPFs comprising about 55% of the American diet, experts say reducing intake and finding affordable alternatives remains a challenge but a crucial public-health goal.