Diets Heavy in Ultra-processed Foods Linked to Earlier Death: Study [Video]

Key Takeaways

Ultra-processed foods appear to increase people’s risk of deathPeople who ate more ultra-processed foods had a higher risk of death than those who ate the leastDeaths related to heart disease and diabetes were particularly more likely

MONDAY, July 1, 2024 (HealthDay News) — People who eat more ultra-processed foods are more likely to suffer an early death, particularly from heart disease or diabetes, a new study warns.

Older adults who consume higher amounts of ultra-processed foods are about 10% more likely to die than those who eat less processed foods, over an average 23-year follow-up.

In particular, soft drinks and highly processed meats like hot dogs, sausages and deli cold cuts are “most strongly associated with mortality risk,” said researcher Erikka Loftfield, an investigator with the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

“Eating a diet low in these foods is already recommended for disease prevention and health promotion,” Loftfield added in an NCI news release.

Ultra-processed foods are made …