A data-mining exercise by researchers at Imperial College, London, has revealed that ultra-processed foods are inextricably linked to an increased risk of cancer and death. The numbers are undeniable: Ultra-processed foods are simply deadly…
Classic Fast Food Burger” A classic Processed Food medley. Now directly linked to death…
‘Numbers don’t lie’
The ‘observational’ study, based on examination and analysis of more than 200,000 records from UK Biobank records has filtered out clear evidence that consumption of ultra-processed foods is directly associated with the development of at least 34 different types of cancer and a whole laundry list of other potentially deadly diseases and conditions.
An abstract of the Study Report states: “Ultra-processed foods are food items which have been heavily processed during their production, such as fizzy drinks, mass-produced packaged breads, many ready meals and most breakfast cereals. […] Ultra-processed foods are often relatively cheap, convenient, and heavily marketed, often as healthy options. But these foods are also generally higher in salt, fat, sugar, and contain artificial additives.”
Over a 10-year period…
“For every 10 per cent increase in ultra-processed food in a person’s diet, there was an increased incidence of 2 per cent for cancer overall, and a 19 per cent increase for ovarian cancer specifically. […] Each 10 per cent increase in ultra-processed food consumption was also associated with increased mortality for cancer overall by 6 per cent, alongside a 16 per cent increase for breast cancer and a 30 per cent increase for ovarian cancer.”
Previous research from the team reported, “the levels of consumption of ultra-processed foods in the UK, which are the highest in Europe for both adults and children. The team also found that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a greater risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes in UK adults, and a greater weight gain in UK children extending from childhood to young adulthood.
Study lead senior author Dr. Eszter Vamos said: “This study adds to the growing evidence that ultra-processed foods are likely to negatively impact our health including our risk for cancer. Given the high levels of consumption in UK adults and children, this has important implications for future health outcomes.
No direct causation, but…
“Although our study cannot prove causation, other available evidence shows that reducing ultra-processed foods in our diet could provide important health benefits.” Vamos adds. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the best public health strategies to reduce the widespread presence and harms of ultra-processed foods in our diet.”
Study lead author Dr. Kiara Chang added: “We need clear front of pack warning labels for ultra-processed foods to aid consumer choices, and our sugar tax should be extended to cover ultra-processed fizzy drinks, fruit-based and milk-based drinks, as well as other ultra-processed products.”
The takeaway
“We need clear front of pack warning labels for ultra-processed foods to aid consumer choices, and our sugar tax should be extended to cover ultra-processed fizzy drinks, fruit-based and milk-based drinks, as well as other ultra-processed products,” Chang asserts. Also: “Lower income households are particularly vulnerable to these cheap and unhealthy ultra-processed foods. Minimally processed and freshly prepared meals should be subsidised to ensure everyone has access to healthy, nutritious and affordable options.”
My take
My personal position on processed foods is vindicated!
Oodles of independent researchers’ work is vindicated!
Doubters need no longer doubt.
Why don’t we all get together, now, face forward, and make a concerted effort to prepare for the globally-warmed future?
~ Maggie J.