A handful of popular snack each day can increase chance of cancer and heart attack, major study finds
Just a packet of crisps a day could raise the risk of life-threatening heart issues and cancer, shock research today suggested.
Additive-laden foods such as crisps and sweets have been vilified for decades over their supposed risks, with dozens of studies linking them to type 2 diabetes and other diseases.
Experts have even called for ultra-processed foods (UPFs)—typically anything edible that has more artificial ingredients than natural ones—to be slashed from diets.
Now in a major review, Chinese scientists who tracked the diets of more than 8 million adults discovered that consuming just an extra 100g of UPFs each day—roughly two packets of crisps—also increased the risk of digestive diseases by a fifth.
Scientists today urged Governments to tighten food labelling regulations which would force manufacturers to disclose exactly which additives are present in UPFs.
Dr Xiao Liu, an expert in cardiology at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou and study co-author said: 'Clinicians should clearly explain that UPFs are typically high in added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats, while being low in fiber, essential vitamins, and other protective nutrients.
'This nutritional imbalance contributes to a wide range of adverse health outcomes.
'Emerging evidence suggests a dose-response relationship between UPF consumption and negative health outcomes—meaning the more UPFs consumed, the greater the health risk.
'Therefore, reducing UPF intake, even modestly, may offer measurable health benefits.'
In the study, researchers assessed 41 studies spanning North and South America, Europe, Asia and Oceania involving 8,286,940 adults.
They found each additional 100g per day of UPF consumption was associated with a 5.9 per cent increased risk of cardiovascular events and 1.2 per cent increased risk of cancer.
For comparison, a packet of Walkers Ready Salted crisps or Cadbury's Dairy Milk Chocolate Bar—both available in supermarket meal deals—weigh 45g.
The findings, presented at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Asia 2025 conference in Singapore, also showed adults had a 14.5 per cent higher risk of high blood pressure.
They also had a 19.5 per cent higher chance of digestive diseases and even 2.6 per cent higher risk of death.
The researchers also observed an increased risk of obesity, diabetes and depression and anxiety, they said.
The umbrella term UPFs is used to cover anything edible made with colourings, sweeteners and preservatives that extend shelf life.
Ready-meals, ice cream and tomato ketchup are some of the best-loved examples of products that fall under the umbrella UPF term.
This is now synonymous with foods offering little nutritional value.
They are different to processed foods, which are tinkered to make them last longer or enhance their taste, such as cured meat, cheese and fresh bread.
The UK is the worst in Europe for eating UPFs, which make up an estimated 57 per cent of the national diet.
They are thought to be a key driver of obesity, which costs the NHS around £6.5billion a year treating weight-related disease like diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.
Last year, disturbing data also suggested that children who ate lots of UPFs show early signs of poor heart health and diabetes risk factors from as young as three years old.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
Imane Khelif scandal brings everlasting shame on the IOC
It felt, then as now, like a huge exercise in misdirection. Yes, the IBA had questions to answer over its ethics and finances. But the core element of its case – that women's sport should only be for those with XX chromosomes, that male advantage was immutable – was sound. And now we see its argument that it disqualified Khelif from the 2023 world championships for being XY – a verdict, crucially, against which the athlete did not appeal – substantiated in writing, with a report carrying the letterhead of Dr Lal Path Labs in New Delhi summarising the genetic testing in two telling words: 'abnormal' and 'male'. I spent much of Monday pursuing the IOC, asking firstly for a response to the document and secondly for a sign of whether it would be apologising to the women denied Olympic medals. Eventually, on Tuesday morning, the following word salad arrived from Lausanne: 'The IOC has always made it clear that eligibility criteria are the responsibility of the respective international federation. The factors that matter to performance are unique to each sport, discipline and/or event. We await the full details on how sex testing will be implemented in a safe, fair and legally enforceable way.' This statement, somehow managing to avoid either question posed, is risible in myriad ways. For a start, the attempt to pass the buck to the federations is directly contradicted by the IOC's actions at the Paris Games. It took over running Olympic boxing from the IBA, establishing the so-called 'Paris Boxing Unit' and applying their own fatuous logic that Khelif and Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting, who had also failed tests, could compete because of the 'F' in their passports. As for their comment about rules being different depending on the sport? Clearly, they still believe men can be women in certain circumstances. In boxing, though, there was only one by which they needed to abide: to ensure women would not be smashed in the head by biological males. And it failed to uphold even that most basic duty of care. It is a monumental dereliction, to which the only natural response is anger. The IOC has caused havoc with its ridiculous 2021 framework on 'fairness, inclusion and non-discrimination', stating that 'athletes should be allowed to compete in the category that best aligns with the self-determined gender identity'. In 2024, it decided to test this fallacy in boxing, the most lethal Olympic sport. Except boxers do not compete with their feelings, but with their fists. In its desperation to advertise supposedly progressive credentials, it placed women in mortal danger. Could there be a greater betrayal? Those who cheered this on in Paris, who painted anybody doubting Khelif's claims to be a woman as a bigot, should take some time to reflect. And that includes many journalists. On Sky Sports News on Friday, an Olympics reporter, reacting to news that World Boxing would compel Khelif to undergo further sex testing to compete in the female category again, said flatly: 'There were no tests. There were no test results.' And yet there were. We knew of their existence in Paris nine months ago, and now we have seen them with our own eyes. In a curious way, there is some comfort in this. When people accuse anybody disagreeing with them on this subject of 'hate', it is a sure sign that they have lost the plot. And those insisting that Khelif's mental health matters more than the physical wellbeing of women have emphatically lost any moral argument. Think of it this way: in men's sport, people devote inordinate amounts of time to railing against the tiniest example of unfairness, to decrying the entire VAR system if Erling Haaland's toe happens to be offside. How can the same judges make their peace with women being denied the right to safety, the most basic fairness of all? 'Non è giusto', Carini kept saying to her corner in Paris after the Khelif bout, weeping that she had never been punched so hard in her life. 'It's not fair.' Let that plaintive cry stand as a monument to the IOC's everlasting shame.
Medical News Today
3 hours ago
- Medical News Today
Cholesterol: Daily cup of beans may lower levels, improve heart health
Could a daily cup of beans improve cholesterol and heart health? A new study investigates. lacaosa/Getty Images A new study explores the metabolic benefits of consuming legumes in people with prediabetes. Specifically, the scientists found that daily consumption of chickpeas and black beans has measurable benefits on inflammation and cholesterol levels. The researchers recently presented their findings at NUTRITION 2025, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition. A recent 12-week study involving participants with prediabetes found that a simple dietary change may have significant benefits. The researchers found that, compared with consuming white rice, eating black beans or chickpeas was associated with reduced markers of inflammation, and consuming chickpeas was linked to reduced blood cholesterol. Because the study was relatively small and of short duration, scientists need to carry out more research to replicate the results. The findings have also yet to be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal but were recently presented at NUTRITION 2025, the flagship annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, in Orlando, Florida. However, because black beans and chickpeas are relatively cheap and considered healthy by experts, this type of intervention is worth exploring further. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes affects an estimated 1 in 10 people in the United States , the majority of whom have type 2 diabetes. This condition is marked by an inability to control levels of glucose in the blood. When blood glucose is elevated, it damages healthy tissues. Treatment can successfully manage type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of damage, but there is no cure. Prediabetes is not a guarantee that an individual will go on to develop type 2 diabetes, but the risk is elevated. Unlike type 2 diabetes, however, prediabetes can be reversed, so scientists are exploring interventions that could help this population. Because nutrition plays a pivotal role in the development of type 2 diabetes, many scientists are focused on dietary interventions For their recent study, the researchers recruited individuals with prediabetes. They wanted to understand whether black beans and chickpeas, consumed daily, could influence biomarkers of health after 6 and 12 weeks. In total, the study involved 72 people. They randomized them to one of three groups, consuming 1 cup of white rice, chickpeas, or black beans each day. At the start of the study, and at weeks 6 and 12, the researchers took blood samples to measure levels of: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: 'good' cholesterol. 'good' cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: 'bad' cholesterol. 'bad' cholesterol. C-reactive protein: A compound released in response to inflammation. A compound released in response to inflammation. Interleukin-6 (IL-6): Another biological marker for inflammation. They also measured glucose metabolism and blood glucose levels. At week 12, those consuming chickpeas had a significant reduction in total cholesterol levels. Meanwhile, those eating black beans had reduced levels of the inflammatory marker, IL-6. However, the scientists did not identify any significant changes in glucose metabolism. Alongside the positive results linked to legume intake, there was also a more surprising finding: At the 12-week mark, the group consuming white rice had significantly lower levels of LDL 'bad' cholesterol than at the start of the study. This was a small, relatively brief study, so researchers need to carry out more work to understand the full benefits of these legumes on people with prediabetes. According to the authors of the study, they plan to continue this line of investigation. In particular, they want to focus on the links between metabolic health and the gut microbiome. Chickpeas and black beans are in the legume family, alongside peas, lentils, and other beans, like pinto, kidney, and lima beans. Rich in protein and fiber, research has found associations between legume consumption and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. There's also some evidence that consuming legumes may be associated with a reduction in cancer risk. Medical News Today reached out to Maddie Gallivan, RD, a registered dietitian who was not involved in the recent study. We asked how legumes might reduce cholesterol. 'The soluble fiber in these legumes helps to lower cholesterol by reducing how much is absorbed into the bloodstream,' she explained. Soluble fiber helps reduce cholesterol in a number of ways. For instance, it binds to cholesterol in the gut, carrying it through the intestines and out of the body in stool. According to Gallivan, 'Beans and chickpeas are excellent examples of plant-based protein sources that are also packed with fibre. They also help you keep fuller for longer.' 'When eaten as part of a diverse, plant-rich diet,' she continued, 'beans and chickpeas can support a healthy gut microbiome. A variety of fibres from whole plant foods — like vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, pulses, legumes, nuts, and seeds — will feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, encouraging them to flourish and support overall health.' Legumes like chickpeas and black beans are an important staple in many parts of the world, but they are relatively unpopular in the West. Although widely available and low cost, research suggests that the average U.S. adult spends less than $5 per year on legumes. 'There are a lot of ways to incorporate beans into your regular diet as a cost-effective way to support overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases,' explained author Morganne Smith, a doctoral candidate at Illinois Institute of Technology, and presenting author for this study. 'You can blend them to add some thickness to a soup base, add them as a salad topping, or pair them with other grains like rice or quinoa,' says Smith. According to Gallivan, they're also 'a great alternative to red and processed meats, because they can easily be added to meals like curries, stews, and casseroles.' However, she also adds a note of caution for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): 'It's important to take a gradual approach to increasing legume intake and seek personalized advice from a dietitian to manage symptoms effectively.' MNT reached out to Federica Amati, PhD, MPH, head nutritionist at ZOE, a science and nutrition company. Amati, who was not involved in the study, was not surprised that eating chickpeas and beans 'helps with cardiometabolic health markers.' 'They are also good for the environment,' she told us. 'Eat more of them.' Cholesterol Diabetes Heart Disease Cardiovascular / Cardiology Nutrition / Diet
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
The simple food swap scientists urge you to make ‘to reduce heart attack risk'
SWAPPING out beans for less healthy options could slash your risk of deadly heart attack or stroke, new research shows. Eating a cup of beans a day - whether they're dried or canned - can boost heart and metabolic health, according to scientists. 1 Daily portions of chickpeas and black beans could serve as a "simple, cost-effective" way to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, they said. The new study links chickpeas to improved cholesterol levels, which blacks beans seemed to reduce inflammation. Having high cholesterol means you have too much of a fatty substance in your blood and it could make you more likely to suffer a a heart attack or stroke. Meanwhile, chronic inflammation a culprit in many heart and circulatory conditions. Eating beans in place of less healthy options is an easy way to start eating more of them, researchers suggested. But you should be aware of any additional ingredients such as salt or sugar, they noted. The 12-week study followed 72 people with prediabetes - meaning they have higher than normal blood sugar levels. Study co-author Morganne Smith said: "Individuals with prediabetes often exhibit impaired lipid metabolism and chronic low-grade inflammation, both of which can contribute to the development of conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. "Our study found that bean consumption helped significantly lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation in people with prediabetes, although glucose levels were not changed." Researchers presented their findings at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Orlando, Florida. The two diets linked to slower cognitive decline in adults - and what foods you should be eating Ms Smith, a doctoral candidate at Illinois Institute of Technology, said: "Our study showed the benefits of consuming beans in adults with pre-diabetes, but they are a great option for everyone. "These findings could be used to inform dietary guidelines, clinicians or public health programs focused on preventing heart disease and diabetes." To increase the relevance to everyday life, the research team conducted the study with participants in free-living conditions. Participants were randomly assigned to eat either one cup of black beans, chickpeas or rice daily for 12 weeks. Blood samples were taken at the start of the study, then after six weeks and 12 weeks to track participants' cholesterol, inflammation, and blood sugar. Meanwhile, glucose tolerance tests were conducted at the start and end of the study. For the group eating chickpeas, total cholesterol decreased "significantly" from an average of 200.4 milligrams per decilitre at the start of the study to 185.8 milligrams per decilitre after 12 weeks. Ideally, total cholesterol levels should be bellow 200 to be considered healthy. How to reduce your risk of heart attacks and stroke You can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke with many of the same methods. Heart attacks and strokes, although affecting different organs of the body, are both what we call cardiovascular events. Both arise from similar underlying conditions, such as atherosclerosis —a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. According to the American Heart Association, the risk factors for heart attacks and strokes are largely the same: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and diabetes. Therefore, addressing these risk factors can simultaneously reduce the risk of both conditions. Here are ways you can prevent the two: Healthy diet More fruit and veg: The DASH, which emphasises fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve heart health. Less fats: Too much saturated and trans fats can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Go for healthier fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, and avocados. Limit salt: High salt intake is linked to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for both heart attack and stroke. The NHS recommends no more than 6g of salt per day for adults. Fibre: Foods high in soluble fibre, such as oats and beans, can help lower cholesterol levels. Exercise Walking, running, cycling, swimming - whatever you like, do it! Aerobic exercise can strengthen the heart and improve circulation. The NHS advises at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week. Strength training exercises can help control weight, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce blood pressure. It is recommended twice a week by the NHS. Manage blood pressure Healthy diet and exercise can help keep your blood pressure in check. But it is worth monitoring it yourself after the age of 40, at least, when the NHS invites adults for a check-up every five years. High blood pressure often has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Quit smoking One of the best ways to quit smoking is to use resources provided by NHS Smokefree. Support groups, medications, and other tools to help quit smoking such as vapes could be what you need to kick the habit for good - and it's free. Limit booze Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and contribute to weight gain, which can snowball and become a heart health risk. The NHS recommends not regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week. For the participants consuming black beans, the average level of pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 - a marker of inflammation - was 2.57 picograms per millilitre at the outset and significantly decreased to 1.88 picograms per millilitre after 12 weeks. No significant changes were observed in markers of glucose metabolism. Ms Smith added: "There are a lot of ways to incorporate beans into your regular diet as a cost-effective way to support overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. "You can blend them to add some thickness to a soup base, add them as a salad topping, or pair them with other grains like rice or quinoa." For the next phase of their study, the researchers plan to examine how consuming black beans and chickpeas influences gut health to better understand the connection between the gut microbiome and metabolic health.
