Not all UPFs are equal
Diets high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are linked to a higher risk of chronic diseases, poorer brain health and early death. But UPFs are a diverse group of foods that include hot dogs, sweets and fizzy drinks as well as some wholegrain breads and plant milks. Researchers from Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health used health data from over 200,000 adults collected over 30 years, then combined the findings with those from 19 other studies to produce an additional analysis of around 1.25 million adults. The results reveal which UPFs are worse than others regarding heart health.
They found that while many UPFs are linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), some may actually lower the risk. While processed meats and sugary or artificially sweetened drinks were linked to a higher CVD risk, bread, breakfast cereals and savoury snacks were linked to a lower risk. They suggest that reducing the salt, saturated fats, added sugars and cosmetic additives in wholegrain bread, cereals and savoury snacks such as popcorn, for example, may enhance their nutritional value further.
The authors said: “Our findings suggest that soft drinks and processed meats should be particularly discouraged given their consistent adverse association with cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease and stroke.”
Mendoza K, Smith-Warner SA, Rossato SL et al. 2024. Ultra-processed foods and cardiovascular disease: analysis of three large US prospective cohorts and a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Lancet Regional Health Americas. 37, 100859.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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