In modern society, processed foods, despite their convenience, have been linked to negative health effects. A recent, preliminary study presented at the American Society for Nutrition suggests that consuming greater amounts of ultra-processed foods can shorten one’s lifespan by over 10 percent. This study, which spanned nearly three decades and included over 500,000 participants, found that the risk for men became as high as 15 percent and 14 percent for women when data was adjusted.
The study found that diet soft drinks and sugary soft drinks were the key contributors to ultra-processed food consumption. Other ultra-processed foods include refined grains, such as breads and baked goods containing preservatives and additives to extend their shelf life.
Ultra-processed foods are identified by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as those containing ingredients that are either food substances never or rarely used in kitchens, or classes of additives whose function is to make the final product palatable or more appealing. Some examples of these ingredients include hydrolysed proteins, soya protein isolate, gluten, casein, whey protein, mechanically separated meat, fructose, high-fructose corn syrup, fruit juice concentrate, invert sugar, maltodextrin, dextrose, lactose, soluble or insoluble fiber, hydrogenated or interesterified oil.
The study found that those who ate processed foods had a greater chance of dying from heart disease or diabetes. However, it is important to note that the data regarding dietary habits was gathered only once in 1995, so it doesn’t account for the way participants’ eating habits may have changed over time.
In conclusion, it is important to be aware of the negative health effects associated with consuming ultra-processed foods and to consider making healthier choices when it comes to our diet.
