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A new study across eight countries finds that those who eat lots of ultra-processed foods may be at a higher risk of dying earlier.
Ultra-processed foods could be a major contributor to dying young, a new study has found.
These include processed meats, fizzy drinks, ice creams and breakfast cereals, among many other items. These foods contain more than five ingredients that are not normally found in the kitchen at home. Think additives, sweeteners and chemicals. All that good stuff.
It is reportedly not known why these foods are linked to bad health, but it may be due to high levels of fat, salt and sugar.
The report was published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, where researchers wanted to study the impact of ultra-processed food on general mortality rates.
Keep in mind that none of this research is conclusive, and that nothing is definitely proven by these results.
There are many other factors to consider when discussing mortality rates, such as exercise levels, wider lifestyle, overall health, and diet beyond just ultra-processed foods. All these can impact one’s life in varying amounts and depend on person to person.
For the study, researchers examined diets and data from eight countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, the UK and the US.
According to calculations presented in the report, there were 124,000 premature US deaths in 2018 due to ultra-processed foods. By comparison, there were reportedly 18,000 in the UK.
However, determining the cause and the actual, tangible impact of ultra-processed foods in isolation is still up for debate. Ultimately, more research needs to be done and more data collected before anything can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Still, this health news comes as Gen Z continue to dive into gym routines, long runs and physical activities in order to improve their physical and mental health.
