Latest news with #UltraProcessedFoods
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Ultra-Processed Foods Could Sabotage Weight Loss, Even on a 'Healthy' Diet
Ultra-processed foods already have a lousy reputation – and now a new study suggests that even 'healthy' versions of them can significantly undermine your weight-loss efforts. Researchers from the UK and US analyzed data from 50 overweight people who completed two diet programs on separate occasions. Both diets matched in terms of nutrition – with the same amounts of fat (including saturated fats), carbs, fiber, salt, and even fruits and vegetables. The key difference is one diet was built around ultra-processed foods (UPFs), and the other focused on minimally processed foods (MPFs). The UPF diet included the likes of breakfast oat bars and lasagne ready meals, while the MPF one featured overnight oats and homemade spaghetti bolognese. Related: Both diets resulted in weight loss. But the MPF diet was associated with shedding twice as much weight as the UPF diet, on average. Participants also lost more unhealthy body fat while on the MPF diet and reported better control over unhealthy food cravings. "Previous research has linked ultra-processed foods with poor health outcomes," says clinical scientist Samuel Dicken, from University College London (UCL). "But not all ultra-processed foods are inherently unhealthy based on their nutritional profile." "The main aim of this trial was to fill crucial gaps in our knowledge about the role of food processing in the context of existing dietary guidance, and how it affects health outcomes such as weight, blood pressure, and body composition, as well as experiential factors like food cravings." While the overall reductions in weight were only 2 percent for the MPF diet and 1 percent for the UPF diet, the researchers point out the short timespan of the study: eight weeks for each diet, with a gap of four weeks in between. The changes seen here could quickly add up. In combination with other factors that contribute to a healthy and effective diet, avoiding ultra-processed foods could make a noticeable difference over time. "Though a 2 percent reduction may not seem very big, that is only over eight weeks and without people trying to actively reduce their intake," says Dicken. "If we scaled these results up over the course of a year, we'd expect to see a 13 percent weight reduction in men and a 9 percent reduction in women on the minimally processed diet, but only a 4 percent weight reduction in men and 5 percent in women after the ultra-processed diet." The trial was relatively small and excluded people with dietary restrictions, but it offers more evidence on how we can tackle our growing obesity crisis – and highlights the difference that following nutritional guidelines in diets can have. "The global food system at the moment drives diet-related poor health and obesity, particularly because of the wide availability of cheap, unhealthy food," says Chris van Tulleken, a global health and infection researcher at UCL. "This study highlights the importance of ultra-processing in driving health outcomes in addition to the role of nutrients like fat, salt, and sugar." The research has been published in Nature Medicine. Related News Man Hospitalized With Psychiatric Symptoms Following AI Advice Signs of a Rare Type of Cancer May Be Hiding in Your Voice Scientists May Have Identified a Natural Alternative to Ozempic Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Not All Ultra-Processed Foods Are Bad for You—These 8 Are Actually Healthy
New research from the American Heart Association suggests these foods have some benefits. Key Takeaways Ultra-processed foods dominate the U.S. diet and raise heart disease risk, but some—like whole-grain cereals or plain yogurt—can still be healthy. Good picks include frozen produce, low-sodium beans, nuts, and high-fiber cereals, while processed meats, sugary drinks, and refined breads are best limited. Swaps like plain yogurt with fruit or sparkling water, plus smart use of frozen or canned basics, can cut harmful UPFs without losing convenience. If you've noticed a lot of headlines around ultra-processed foods lately, you're not imagining it. There have been several recent studies linking ultra-processed foods (UPFs)—which contain ingredients and chemicals that aren't generally available to a home cook—to a variety of health issues, from cardiovascular disease to risk of premature death. "High UPF intake is widespread and detrimental," says Grace Derocha, RDN, CDCES,spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. "Nearly 60% of U.S. calories come from UPFs—and adolescents fare worst, correlating with poorer heart health scores." But before you clean out your pantry, there is some nuance when it comes to processed foods, according to new research from the American Heart Association. And in fact, some can actually be beneficial to your health. Meet Our Expert Grace Derocha, RDN, CDCES,spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics What the Research Shows Regarding Ultra-Processed Foods The American Health Association found that processed foods that contain additives and chemicals often have other not-so-great ingredients that put you at risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic diseases, and death, including unhealthy fats and added sugars and salts. And processed food takes up more than 70% of what's available at your local grocery store, so it can be harder than you'd expect to avoid them. The American Heart Association recommends limiting your UPF intake and focusing your diet on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, healthy oils, and lean proteins. But in this new research, they've taken a stab at defining which UPFs are the most dangerous to your health—and which ones aren't. "Not all UPFs are equally harmful: Items like whole-grain cereals or yogurt may carry lower or even inverse cardiovascular disease risk compared with sugary beverages or processed meats," Derocha says. "The science recognizes the complexity—UPF is a broad category, and context matters. We should differentiate between 'unhealthy UPFs' and more wholesome packaged items." Related: The Difference Between Processed Food and Ultra-Processed Food—and Why It Matters for Health How to Choose Healthier Processed Foods You don't have to give up the convenience of processed foods entirely in order to reduce your risk of negative health effects. Just follow these tips—based on the new research—to help you create a shopping list that'll focus on your health. Opt for "Green-Flag" Processed Foods One of the reasons that ultra-processed foods have proliferated? They make it much simpler to get dinner on the table—just heat and eat. But you don't have to rely on heavily processed foods to simplify your food prep. "Convenience doesn't equal compromise," Derocha says. "Smart choices like frozen produce, canned staples, and wisely selected UPFs can make healthy eating accessible." Among the "green-flagged" processed foods that are considered healthier: Lightly salted and flavored nuts, seeds, and legumes Low-sodium canned beans and legumes Low-sodium canned tuna, salmon, or chicken, packed in water Unsweetened dried fruit Low-sodium whole grain breads and crackers High fiber cereal with minimal sweeteners Plant-based meat and dairy alternatives like soy milk and tofu Frozen produce There are also a few "caution" items that are considered moderately healthy, such as canned fruit in light syrup or juice, hard cheeses, and low-sodium and/or low-fat canned soups or canned beans that contain salt. Minimize "Red-Flag" Foods The American Heart Association chart reviews both processed and unprocessed foods for their potential impacts on cardiovascular health—which includes a list of red-flagged foods that could put your health at risk. "Identifying high-risk UPF subgroups is essential to balancing nutritional goals with the need for accessible and appealing food options," according to the study. "Most UPFs overlap with foods high in saturated fat, added sugars, and sodium, which are already targets for cardiometabolic risk reduction." Processed meats like bacon, chicken nuggets, sausage, and hot dogs, and sugar-sweetened beverages are high on the list of red-flag foods, but you probably won't be surprised by what is on the list: Processed meats, like chicken nuggets, sausage, hot dogs Sugar-sweetened beverages Sweets like cookies, candies, and fruit snacks Cheese products White bread, tortillas, and rolls Ice cream and other dairy-based desserts Frozen meals that contain things on this list (like pizza or instant noodles) Canned fruit in syrup Tortilla or potato-based chips But the paper also called out some minimally processed foods that could be harmful to your health. That list includes: Meat and dairy products, including red meat, pork, butter, beef tallow, and sour cream Natural sweeteners, like sugar, honey, and maple syrup Sweetened dried or canned fruit and brined vegetables French fries Crackers 100% fruit juice Tropical oils, like palm and coconut oil Some of these foods are often on lists of healthier options, and Derocha notes that they may be more of a "sometimes" food, rather than a wholesale ban. "While honey is minimally processed, it's still a concentrated source of sugar—making it less heart-friendly than, say, whole-grain bread or canned beans that offer fiber and nutrients. It's less about processing level and more about overall contributions to cardiovascular health." Make Healthier Swaps If you're looking to reduce your ultra-processed food intake, there are some easy swaps that are just as delicious—and won't raise your health risks. "Try sparkling water flavored with fruit instead of soda; make yogurt parfaits with plain yogurt and fruit instead of pre-sweetened cartons," Derocha suggests. And check the ingredient list. "Look for UPFs that include whole grains, legumes, yogurt, or nuts—not just isolated additives," Derocha says. "Cereals, yogurts, and whole-grain products are among UPFs associated with lower cardiovascular risk." You'll also want to limit or avoid foods that have a huge list of chemicals among their ingredients. "Favor foods with fewer, recognizable ingredients—avoid long lists of additives, emulsifiers, sweeteners," Derocha says. Find Other Ways to Speed Up Meal Prep Choosing minimally processed building blocks like frozen fruits and veggies, canned beans, and frozen whole grains can help you get your meal on the plate faster, Derocha says. "You can also meal prep simple components," she suggests. "Roast a batch of chicken or bake vegetables ahead, then mix and match throughout the week." You can also consider batch cooking, in which you make a larger batch of a favorite dish and freeze the leftovers for a busy weeknight. "Cook once, and eat twice," Derocha says. "Allowing the freezer to be your friend is a great way to be in the driver's seat of what you are consuming." Related: 9 Superfoods That Will Help You Live Longer, According to Dietitians Read the original article on Real Simple
The Independent
30-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Ultra-processed baby foods ‘set children up for lifetime of obesity,' experts warn
Ultra-processed baby foods that 'set children up for a lifetime of obesity ' are 'dominating' supermarket shelves, experts have warned. A study by researchers at the University of Leeds found that one in three baby food products filling the aisles are classed as ultra-processed foods (UPF), which have been linked to long-term health damage. Researchers have also warned parents over 'misleading' packaging which promotes natural ingredients in a food product that is industrially produced. The team analysed 600 baby food items from major brands and found that a staggering 87 per cent of baby snacks and 79 per cent of baby cereals are classed as UPFs. This means they were made using industrial techniques, with ingredients not typically found in home cooking. They also found 'troubling trends' in popular snacks marketed at infants, including 'melty' puffed snacks and fruit-based chews and bars. The study's authors are now calling on the government to introduce tougher regulations on UPFs, saying the foods on offer 'bear little resemblance to the kind of food young children should be growing up on'. Dr Diane Threapleton, lead researcher and paediatric nutrition expert at the University of Leeds said: 'We're seeing highly processed snacks, sweets, cereals - even meals dominating the baby aisle. These are often marketed as healthy, organic, or with 'no added sugar' claims, but they contain ingredients and undergo processing that bear little resemblance to the kind of food young children should be growing up on. 'These products are setting up babies to crave ultra-processed, overly sweet foods from the very start. There's a real opportunity now for the Government to show it's serious about raising a healthier generation. The current state of the baby food aisle is unacceptable, and it must no longer be ignored.' Their work is backed by the Obesity Health Alliance (OHA), who said the government needs to act 'urgently' to clamp down on the sale of sugary snacks with 'misleading' labelling. The director of the OHA, Katharine Jenner, said: 'The Government's 10-Year Health Plan talks of a moonshot to end obesity, but we'll never get off the launchpad unless we close the gap in our early years. A healthy life starts from the very beginning and right now, we're feeding our babies and toddlers ultra-processed foods that undermine their development and long-term health. 'The baby food aisle is flooded with sugary, ultra-processed snacks that set children up for a lifetime of poor eating habits, obesity, and tooth decay. With the UK in the grip of an oral health crisis, we urgently need government to limit baby food companies from selling high sugar foods with misleading labelling.' She added: 'These products undermine the best intentions of parents and carers, who want to put their child's health first.'
Daily Mail
13-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Nine in ten people in the UK can't spot ultra-processed ingredients on food labels, survey suggests
Nearly nine in ten people in the UK say they're unsure if they would be able to spot an ultra-processed ingredient on a food label, a survey suggests. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) – typically made with ingredients or additives you would not find in a home kitchen – now make up 60 per cent of the British diet. Yet mounting evidence has linked them to a range of serious health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Now a new survey from nutrition tracking app Lifesum has found that just 12 per cent of Britons feel very confident identifying a UPF on packaging. This could include emulsifers such as soya lecithin or monoglycerides, or preservatives such as sodium benzoate, among others. A further 72 per cent were surprised to learn that products including oat milk, vegan meats and protein bars are classed as UPFs. Some 61 per cent of the 5,000 people surveyed said that defining a UPF is more confusing than doing their taxes. Despite the uncertainty, 68 per cent said UPFs negatively affect their mood, energy levels and productivity, while 41 per cent linked their mental health struggles to their diet. 'This is no longer just a nutrition issue – it's a societal one,' said Signe Svanfeldt, lead nutritionist at Lifesum. 'People know something's wrong, but they're misled by packaging that presents UPFs as healthy. 'We're sleepwalking into a national health crisis.'
Forbes
30-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Every 100 Grams Of Ultra Processed Foods Consumed Per Day Increases Risk Of Diseases
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 16: A photo illustration of 'Ultra Processed' foods on February 16, 2018 ... More in London, England. A recent study by a team at the Sorbonne in Paris has suggested that 'Ultra Processed' foods including things like mass-produced bread, ready meals, instant noodles, fizzy drinks, sweets and crisps are tied to the rise in cancer. (Photo illustration by) Think twice before reaching for a bag of chips or your favorite sugary beverage. With every 100 grams of ultra-processed foods you consume each day, your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, hypertension, digestive diseases, and cancer increases, according to recent research. 'Ultra-processed foods are characterized by high sugar, high salt, and other non-nutritive components, exhibiting low nutritional density yet high caloric content,' said Xiao Liu in a press release, a cardiologist at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China. 'These products may contribute to adverse health outcomes through multiple mechanisms, including but not limited to dysregulation of blood lipid profiles, alterations in gut microbiota composition, promotion of obesity, induction of systemic inflammation, exacerbation of oxidative stress, and impairment of insulin sensitivity.' Liu and colleagues analyzed 41 studies conducted on ultra-processed foods and their health impacts that had a total of 8,286,940 adult participants from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Australia. They found that an additional 100 grams of ultra-processed foods consumed each day was associated with a 14.5% higher risk of hypertension, 5.9% greater risk of cardiovascular events, and 1.2% higher risk of developing cancer. The researchers found the strongest association between ultra-processed foods and digestive diseases as consuming 100 grams of it was linked to a 19.5% increased risk of stomach problems. The most common examples of ultra-processed foods are ready-to-eat meals or frozen foods, sweetened beverages, cooking, mass-produced bread, chips and other savory packaged foods, instant noodles, flavored yogurts, breakfast cereals, and desserts, among others. What makes these products incredibly healthy are the food additives, preservatives, and colorants added during multiple stages of processing. 'Clinicians should clearly explain that ultra-processed foods 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,' Liu added in the press release. 'Emerging evidence suggests a dose-response relationship between ultra-processed food consumption and negative health outcomes—meaning the more ultra-processed foods consumed, the greater the health risk. Therefore, reducing ultra-processed foods intake, even modestly, may offer measurable health benefits.' Liu's findings were presented at a conference in Singapore earlier this month called ACC Asia 2025 Together. Another recent study published on May 7, 2025m in the journal Neurology, revealed that people who eat higher quantities of ultra-processed foods like hot dogs, cookies, and breakfast cereal are at a greater risk of suffering from early signs of Parkinson's disease compared to those who limit their consumption of ultra-processed foods. 'Eating a healthy diet is crucial as it has been associated with a lower risk of neurodegenerative diseases and the dietary choices we make today can significantly influence our brain health in the future,' said study author Xiang Gao in a press release, who is a PhD student at the Institute of Nutrition, Fudan University in Shanghai, China. 'There's growing evidence that diet might influence the development of Parkinson's disease. Our research shows that eating too much processed food, like sugary sodas and packaged snacks, might be speeding up early signs of Parkinson's disease.'
