A new study has suggested that some ultra-processed foods might actually be good for you, debunking the belief that these chemical-riddled snacks are solely linked to cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. While certain ultra-processed foods have long been vilified, such as sausages and sugary drinks, the study found that other foods like bread, cereal, sweets, desserts, ready meals, savoury snacks, and plant-based foods are "not associated with risk of multi-morbidity". However, it's important to note that sauces, spreads, and condiments are still considered bad for human health, although not as harmful as meat products and soft drinks.
Ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, are foods that typically contain ingredients that people wouldn't add when cooking homemade meals. These ingredients often include chemicals, colourings, sweeteners, and preservatives that extend the shelf life of the products. It's worth mentioning that not all processed food is bad for you; certain foods need to undergo processing to ensure safety, such as milk which needs to be pasteurised to remove bacteria.
Study Details and Findings
The study, which involved experts from the World Health Organisation's International Agency for Research on Cancer, investigated the link between UPFs and the risk of developing at least two chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. The researchers analysed the dietary history and illnesses of 266,666 people in seven European countries, including the UK.
After an 11-year follow-up period, it was found that those who consumed higher amounts of UPFs had a nine per cent increased risk of suffering from two illnesses. However, when researchers looked at subgroups of UPFs, they found that the link was most evident for animal-based UPFs and artificially and sugar-sweetened beverages. On the other hand, subgroups such as ultra-processed bread and cereals or plant-based alternatives were not associated with an increased risk.
Heinz Freisling, co-author and study lead at IARC, emphasized that it is not necessary to completely avoid ultra-processed foods. Instead, he suggested limiting their consumption and giving preference to fresh or minimally processed foods.
Dr Ian Johnson, a nutrition researcher at the Quadram Institute, pointed out that the definition of UPF covers a wide range of foods. He also highlighted that ultra-processed bread and cereal products showed a reduction in risk, indicating a potential role for some UPFs in the onset of multiple chronic diseases. Furthermore, these products may be beneficial to health, as they provide convenient and palatable sources of dietary fibre.
Conclusion
While some ultra-processed foods have been linked to adverse health effects, this study reveals that not all UPFs are created equal. Certain foods like bread, cereal, sweets, desserts, ready meals, savoury snacks, and plant-based options may not pose a significant risk of developing chronic diseases. However, it's still important to prioritize fresh or minimally processed foods in order to maintain a healthy diet. The key takeaway is that not all ultra-processed foods should be demonized, but rather the focus should be on moderation and making informed choices.
