A new study published in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism has shown that consumption of ultra-processed foods is directly and significantly linked to poor health outcomes.
The cross-sectional study used data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey from 2016 through 2019 that included nearly 6,000 participants. Data on dietary content was collected using a food frequency questionnaire, and participants were grouped into quartiles based on their intake of ultra-processed foods. This data was compared to cardiometabolic risk factors among the study participants, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, and poor lipid profiles. Ultra-processed foods are foods that are highly processed and pre-packaged; they typically include high levels of added sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats while being low in fiber and other important nutrients. Examples of ultra-processed foods include chips, breakfast cereals, and packaged desserts.
The results showed that the participants who ate the most ultra-processed foods had significantly higher BMIs, waist circumferences, blood pressure, insulin levels, and triglyceride levels compared to the participants who ate the fewest ultra-processed foods. Participants who ate the most ultra-processed foods were more likely to be men, have lower education levels, and eat fewer fruits and vegetables. Interestingly, the link between ultra-processed foods and cardiometabolic risk factors was significant even after adjusting for BMI, suggesting that ultra-processed foods negatively impact our health through mechanisms beyond just weight gain.
The authors noted that our food environment is negatively impacting our health, and the problems with ultra-processed foods seem to go beyond simple nutritional value. The additives, preparation, packaging, and marketing combine to negatively impact our health. These negative impacts may be partially due to increases in inflammation and insulin resistance, along with a negative impact on metabolic regulation. For optimal health, it’s best to avoid ultra-processed foods and instead aim for a whole-food, plant-based diet.
Sources: Nutrition & Metabolism, Science Daily
