Eating an additional 100 grams of ultra-processed foods each day was associated with a 14% higher risk of cardiovascular events, according to a large study examining the health effects of these foods.
Ultra-processed foods generally include ready-to-eat or heat-and-serve products that undergo extensive industrial processing. Many are energy-dense and high in added sugar and salt while providing relatively low amounts of dietary fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals.
The study also found that greater consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with higher risks of several other health conditions. These included a 24% higher chance of metabolic syndrome or diabetes, a 27% higher risk of depression and anxiety, a 31% higher risk of digestive diseases and an 11% higher risk of high blood pressure.
The findings add to growing research examining the relationship between highly processed diets and long-term health. However, the reported associations do not by themselves prove that ultra-processed foods directly cause these conditions.
Researchers have increasingly examined ultra-processed food consumption because these products can make up a substantial share of modern diets. Examples can include packaged snacks, processed meat products, sugary foods and beverages, and other industrially formulated foods.
The findings suggest that reducing reliance on ultra-processed foods and choosing more minimally processed options may be relevant to overall dietary quality. However, individual health risks can vary depending on overall diet, lifestyle, medical history and other factors.
People concerned about their diet or cardiovascular risk should discuss their individual nutritional needs with a qualified healthcare professional rather than relying on a single study's findings.