A new study warns the risk of premature death is high for people who consume too much of ultra-processed foods. That means it's time to cut down on eating chips, pizzas and fries.
Ultra-processed foods are packed with various additives."Ultraprocessed foods are manufactured industrially from multiple ingredients that usually include additives used for technological and/or cosmetic purposes," the authors of the study stated. Adding, "Ultra-processed foods are mostly consumed in the form of snacks, desserts, or ready-to-eat or -heat meals."
Over the past few years, the consumption of these kinds of foods has increased and is becoming problematic. Too much of ultra-processed food can also cause serious health issues like heart disease and cancer. The study also revealed some startling data about just how much of it is incorporated in a person's daily diet. 61 percent of an American adult's diet comes from processed food. Meanwhile it is 62 percent for a Canadian adult and 63 percent for British adult.
To investigate the link between ultra-processed food and premature death, researchers examined the patterns of close to 44,551 participants over a period of two years. The participants were all French and were all around the age of 57. 73 percent of the group were women.Every six months, they provided the team with a 24-hour dietary record and had to answer a questionnaire about their physical activity, health and sociodemographics.
Research then calculated the overall dietary and ultra-processed food intake of every participant. The results showed a 14 percent higher risk of premature death for those who consumed processed foods excessively.
Experts urge the public to do some research and know what is going into your food. "Look at the ingredients list. Do you understand all those ingredients that go into your foods?"Nurgul Fitzgerald, an associate professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at Rutgers, told a news portal.
Fitzgerald recommends purchasing products "with the least number of ingredients and with ingredients you understand."
