Are some ultra-processed foods worse than others? A recent study explains well what the difference is between two macro-categories, one much more harmful than the other
We don’t always realize it, but now we ultra-processed foods they constitute a substantial part of our diet. From sugary breakfast cereals to hot dogs, from sugary drinks to flavored yogurts, in the United States alone these foods represent 73% of the food available. But not all criminals are the same, and new research reveals what they are the most risky for our health.
According to the study published in the journal The Lancet, a diet rich in ultra-processed foods increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The research, which lasted over 30 years and was conducted on 200 thousand people, showed that those who consume more ultra-processed foods has a 16% greater risk of developing coronary heart disease compared to those who consume less.
The most harmful ultra-processed criminals to be banned
There’s no need to beat around the bush, of all the foods analysed, the worst for the heart are:
According to research, by excluding these two categories, much of the risks associated with ultraprocessed people are reduced, demonstrating that they are the real culprits of many cardiac problems.
And the less harmful ones
Therefore, not all ultra-processed foods are extremely harmful.
Some products, such as:
were associated with a lower cardiovascular risk. But be careful: these foods can provide fibre, vitamins and minerals, partly balancing the negative effects of industrial processing (foods such as whole grains9 or industrial bread provide beneficial nutrients such as fiber and B vitamins, but ! They remain in any case processed foods, rich in sugars and preservatives and, even if some are less harmful, it is always better to consume them in moderation.
What makes some ultra-processed criminals more dangerous?
The difference between the “good” and the “bad” depends on the type of processing and the ingredients.
Processed meats are often high in sodium and saturated fat, while sugary drinks contain high quantities of sugars with no nutritional value.
How to protect our health?
Well, it’s easy to say:
Finally, let’s remember that it is not just the level of processing that determines the healthiness of a food. The secret lies in balance and awareness of food choices.
