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Wales Online
5 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
Ultra-processed foods you should never buy again as they're linked to 32 health conditions
Ultra-processed foods you should never buy again as they're linked to 32 health conditions Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have been linked to an array of health problems, with a recent report claiming they can lead to 32 harmful health outcomes Many of us regularly eat UPFs without thinking about the health impact (Image: Oscar Wong via Getty Images) It's widely recognised that excessive consumption of ultra-processed food (UPF) can lead to severe health consequences. These ready-made products, frequently packed with an extensive list of ingredients, have been associated with obesity and countless other health problems. Nevertheless, a study published in the BMJ has gone one step further. It has connected UPFs to a heightened risk of 32 detrimental health outcomes including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and depression. The research, carried out by an international team from Deakin University in Australia, examined data from nearly ten million people across various previously published studies. The results showed that individuals who routinely consumed the greatest quantities of UPF faced a 21% higher risk of early death and a 50% increased risk of dying from heart disease. It comes as parents are being warned over 3 food illnesses that can turn 'serious' in young children. Elevated UPF consumption was also associated with a 22% greater risk of depression, and approximately a 50% increased risk of anxiety and disrupted sleep patterns. UPFs are being linked to 32 health conditions (Image: Caroline Purser via Getty Images) Alarmingly, it's calculated that 57% of daily energy intake for UK adults comes from UPF, with an even greater proportion of 66% observed in teenagers. "These sweeteners used to be limited to little sachets and diet soft drinks," explained Dr Chris van Tulleken, author of Ultra-Processed People: Why Do We All Eat Stuff That Isn't Food ... and Why Can't We Stop? and associate professor at UCL to the Times. "Now they're in everything: breads, cereals, granola bars, 'lite' yoghurts, no-added-sugar ice cream, flavoured milk.", he added. Compared with natural and minimally processed foods, UPFs tend to be less nutritious and often filled with additives, colourings, and preservatives. Dr Van Tulleken has even stated that if a food contains artificial sweeteners, it is, by definition, classed as a UPF. So, what are some of the worst offenders you should steer clear of? Here are 9 to look out for when you shop. Sugary breakfast cereals Breakfast cereals can be full of sugar (Image: Catherine Falls Commercial via Getty Images) Research conducted at Queen Mary University of London has shown that certain breakfast cereals can contain up to a third of their weight in sugar, which equates to 8 teaspoons per 100g. Cereals that are artificially coloured, shaped or flavoured also fall into the ultra-processed category. Choose minimally processed and lightly sweetened options like porridge oats instead. Ready meals A staggering 90% of people in the UK eat ready meals, with two-fifths indulging at least once a week. Yet, these UPF meals are typically high in salt, sugar, fat, and additives. Research from the University of Aberdeen Rowett Institute indicates that sugar content in ready meals is considerably higher than in homemade versions. Experts from Newcastle University and the University of Cambridge have also found that supermarket ready meals are "high in saturated fat and salt." Cooking from scratch is the healthier option whenever possible. Pre-packaged cakes and biscuits can be full of additives (Image: MAIKA 777 via Getty Images) Store-bought pre-packaged cakes and biscuits Mass-produced cakes and biscuits may not be the healthiest snack choice. They are often packed with additives, artificial flavourings, and preservatives. Research from Queen Mary University of London has found that an astonishing 97% of shop-bought cakes and 74% of biscuits would qualify for a "red" (high) warning label for sugar content, indicating they contain more than 27g of sugar per 100g. Pre-packed meat products Indulging in processed meats such as popular sausage rolls, ham slices, and crispy bacon could increase your chances of developing bowel cancer, which is the fourth most common type in the UK. These products frequently include nitrites, which have been associated with the formation of cancer-causing chemicals. Pre-packed meat products can contain nitrites (Image: Kypros via Getty Images) UK health officials recommend limiting processed meat consumption to no more than 70g per day, but ideally, these items should be avoided altogether. Vegan meat substitutes While adopting a plant-based diet has undeniable health benefits, many plant-based "meat" products are highly processed and filled with extra salt and flavour enhancers. Action on Salt's research indicated that 28% of all vegan meat alternatives they examined contained high levels of sodium. These vegan options also tend to lack the iron and B vitamins present in real meat. Ultra-processed cheeses Classic cheese provides essential protein, a good amount of calcium, and a host of vital vitamins. However, ultra-processed cheese slices typically contain only about 60% real cheese, mixed with emulsifying agents and other ingredients such as vegetable oils, extra salt, food colourings, and sugar. Always check the labels. Artificially flavoured corn chips While some plain, salted snacks can be non-UPF, many types of corn tortilla chips bear little resemblance to natural corn. "Some of these corn chips are more highly processed than others, having been cooked in refined oils with artificial flavours and preservatives added," says dietitian Rhiannon Lambert, author of The Science of Nutrition (DK). "A 100g serving can contain nearly 30g of fat, over one third of the maximum daily amount." If it tastes heavily flavoured, it's best avoided. Flavoured yoghurts Yoghurt might seem like a healthy choice, but many flavoured varieties are so heavily modified and refined that they no longer resemble the natural product. A survey by the Food Foundation found that 53% of yoghurts on sale contain four cubes or more of sugar per pot. The daily allowance for children aged 4-6 is just five cubes. Even some plain yoghurts can veer into UPF territory if they contain thickeners like pectin. Fizzy drinks Nearly a quarter of the sugar in our diets comes from sweet beverages like squashes, cordials and fizzy drinks, and diet versions aren't much better. "As well as the sweetener Acesulfame K, caffeine, flavouring and colouring, it contains phosphoric acid, which rots teeth and leaches the minerals out of our bones," Dr Van Tulleken explains. "Whether or not it's a tiny bit better or worse than full-sugar [cola] is moot - they're both terrible for your body." Article continues below The message is unmistakable - if we wish to enhance our health and wellbeing, we must significantly cut our consumption of ultra-processed foods. Adhering to minimally processed, natural whole foods is the approach to take.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Highland Brewing founder, Asheville craft beer pioneer, Oscar Wong, dead at 84
ASHEVILLE - Oscar Wong, a beloved father, friend and community member who became known as the "Godfather of Asheville Craft Beer" as the founder of the city's first brewery, Highland Brewing, has died. On May 25, Oscar Wong died peacefully at his home with Anna Wong, his wife of 57 years, and one of his daughters, Leah Wong Ashburn, by his side, according to a news release from Highland Brewing. He was 84. Nearly three years ago, Wong was diagnosed with cancer and given a prognosis of six months to a year to live. Wong was described as a person who valued the "quality of life and spent his remaining time fully immersed in the love of his family and those he cherished deeply." He was attributed to saying, 'Personal relationships are the currency of life.' Wong often "expressed deep gratitude for an enriched life that exceeded his wildest imagination," the news release stated. "From sipping scotch with friends every Friday to playing handball at 84, Oscar lived fully and always encouraged those around him to do the same," the news release stated. Wong's death comes after what was officially recognized as Oscar Wong Day on May 16, commemorating the founding of Highland Brewing and Wong's contributions to setting the foundation for Asheville to become known as a "Beer City." In 1994, Wong launched Highland Brewing in the basement of Barley's Taproom at 42 Biltmore Ave. downtown. Wong, the son of Chinese immigrants in Jamaica, attended Notre Dame and went on to lead a long and successful career as an engineer. Upon retirement, Wong made a home in Asheville, where he discovered a new interest: craft beer. Wong became an entrepreneur, mentor, active society member, and performed community service at ARC, Rotary and UNC Asheville. In 2023, he was presented by the governor with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina's highest civilian award. Other accolades earned over the decades include the U.S. Small Business Administration's Person of the Year for North Carolina and the Brewers Association's Recognition Award for 'individuals whose inspiration, enthusiasm, and support have contributed to the craft brewing movement.' Last year, Wong celebrated Highland Brewing's 30th anniversary. "My vision was that it would be one or two breweries in town, and I'd be one of those and have my personal watering hole and it'd be small," Wong told the Citizen Times in 2024. Highland Brewing will host a celebration of life for Wong at Noon on June 29. This is a developing story. Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Tips, comments, questions? Email tkennell@ or follow @PrincessOfPage on Instagram/Bluesky. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Oscar Wong, Highland Brewing founder, local beer pioneer, dead at 84
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Amid federal uncertainties, state officials propose delaying paid family leave — again
The FAMLI program would give Maryland workers paid leave to handle significant medical needs, such as nurturing a newborn baby. But it may be put on hold amid the state's budget uncertainties. (Photo by Oscar Wong via Getty Images) A long-awaited state program to provide paid family leave for Maryland workers might have to wait a little longer, according to Labor officials. The Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program is set to begin in July. But amid a $3 billion budget shortfall and rapid-fire policy decisions from the Trump administration, Maryland Labor Secretary Portia Wu proposes delaying the implementation of the program by 18 months to help the state, employers and workers prepare amid 'huge instability and uncertainty.' 'We just feel like this is the prudent thing to. We're responsible for delivering a system that is going to be effective for workers,' Wu said in an interview Thursday. 'We know to stand that up, it's going to take some time. 'Federal funding freezes, the federal employee impact — all of those have many, many ripple effects here in Maryland,' she said. Wu called it one of the 'hard decisions' that the administration has had to consider in the 2025 session. But supporters for the FAMLI program fear that another delay could risk the program never taking off. 'More time means more potential backsliding,' said Laura Weeldreyer, executive director of the Maryland Family Network. 'I'm not at all attaching that to the administration … I'm worried about the erosion of the integrity of the statute over the next two years. 'I am extremely disappointed to hear this news,' she said, 'and I'm pretty sad on behalf of the residents of the state of Maryland, who overwhelmingly supported the passage of this legislation.' Under current law, the FAMLI program calls for the creation of a fund to which employers and some employees would contribute. The fund would be used to grant qualifying workers up to 12 weeks of paid medical leave to handle significant medical situations — such as nurturing a newborn, caring for a family member with a serious health condition or tending to one's own major health needs. Employers would contribute to the state FAMLI fund unless they provided an equivalent benefit for their employees. Employers, including the state, are currently scheduled to begin collecting payroll deductions in July and providing the FAMLI benefit in 2026. The program has already faced delays. The 2022 legislation establishing the fund, called the Time to Care Act, was vetoed by then-Gov. Larry Hogan (R), a veto that was overridden by the General Assembly. It was supposed to start issuing benefits by January of this year, but that was postponed for a year by lawmakers. Now, the labor department is proposing to delay the implementation once more, so that payroll deductions would begin Jan. 1, 2027, and benefits would become available on Jan. 1, 2028. Wu recognized that there will be disappointment in the new timeline. 'I am personally incredibly passionate about it,' she said, 'At the same time, I think we have to recognize it's a time of huge instability and uncertainty for us right now … it's very uncertain for businesses. We're seeing what's in front of us, and we understand this is unprecedented time in Maryland given what's happening at the federal level.' 'We do need to try to move ahead as quickly as we can,' she said. 'I wish we weren't in this situation but it's the reality of where we are.' But Weeldreyer argues that the instability of at the federal level is exactly why a FAMLI program is needed now. 'To me, it is the argument to move forward with implementation of this program,' she said. 'Wouldn't it be nice for residents in the state of Maryland to know that, in what feels like a very challenging world right now, the state is here with an important safety net if things get hard for your family?' The administration's proposal is similar to a bill sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Stephen Hershey (R-Upper Shore) that would delay the FAMLI implementation for two years due to the state's grim fiscal outlook, with payroll deductions beginning July 1, 2027 and the benefits would be available on July 1, 2028. Senate Bill 355 had a hearing in committee last week, but has not advanced further yet. Hershey proposes delaying long-awaited paid family leave in tight budget year 'I'm happy to work with them [the administration] because while we are evaluating programs that are already in place with respect to the fiscal budget, this was a program that has not yet started. It was something I thought we could delay the implementation of,' Hershey said. 'I'm happy that they're at least looking at things in a fiscally responsible way with respect to this program.' Wu said that the department is willing to work with Hershey or any other lawmaker. 'Senator Hershey's bill is a longer delay than what we are proposing,' she said. 'We understand that this has to be subject to legislative debate … We will put forward language to try to accomplish it, but it needs to go through the legislative process.' Wu said that despite the need to delay the program, she promises that implementing the FAMLI act is a still a priority for the administration. 'We'll have to weather the storm, like we have many others, and we're confident that we're going to get there,' she said. 'It is a little later than we would have liked, but this is the new timeline we're proposing.'
