Study Finds These Two Ultra-Processed Foods are the Worst For Your Health

Ultra-processed foods make up a huge percentage of American diets. Recent studies have found that these manufactured low-nutrient foods have worrisome impacts on overall health and the development of chronic diseases. Doctors have identified which two types of ultra-processed foods are the very worst for your health.

What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

Ultra-processed foods (or UPFs) are foods that have manufactured and artificial ingredients. These foods undergo extensive processing and tend to be high in calories and low in nutritional value. 

UPFs In American Diets

These foods are highly common in American diets. In fact, they make up more than 50% of the calories in the average American’s diet. For kids, the percentage is even higher. UPFs often come from prepackaged foods like chips and other snacks, but they are also in sodas, meats, and poultry. 

Why Are They so Common?

Many companies use manufactured ingredients instead of whole foods because they prolong the shelf life. Not to mention, artificial ingredients are typically cheaper and help companies keep costs low.

Connection to Health Issues

These foods are typically extremely high in fats, sugars, and salts, which, when consumed over time, can lead to extreme chronic diseases. There are several chronic diseases connected to the daily intake of UPFs, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and some cancers. 

The Worst UPFs

A study published in the journal Lancet Regional Health- Americas found that there were two specific types of ultra-processed foods that were most closely connected to health issues. The culprits were sugary drinks and processed meat, poultry, and fish. 

Processed Meats and Beverages

It may come as a surprise that it’s not chips or cookies that come with the highest association to cardiovascular problems, but sugary drinks and processed meats instead. Unfortunately, despite their connection to the risk of developing health issues, these are extremely common in everyday American diets today. 

The Risks

A 2022 study in the BMJ studies men who regularly ate large amounts of UPFs and found they were 29% more at risk to develop colorectal cancer than those who consumed UPFs in smaller amounts. Other studies have outlined similar findings.

Finding Balance

While it is unlikely that you will be able to completely eradicate UPFs from your diet, moderation is key. Ensuring that you are getting whole foods in your diet regularly, instead of relying on quick, convenient processed meals, will get you the nutrients your body needs and reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases connected to UPFs.

Conclusion

Budgets and time constraints may not allow us to eliminate UPFs from our diet, but there are ways to limit this intake and still have a healthy lifestyle. Avoiding sugary drinks and processed meats when possible is key.