The dangers of ultra-processed foods are becoming increasingly recognised, with books such as Ultra-Processed People topping bestseller lists and hundreds of thousands signing up to Professor Tim Spector's Zoe diet and nutrition plan . A study conducted by the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health this year analysed the diets and health outcomes of over 114,000 American adults over a period of more than three decades. The research revealed that those who consumed the most ultra-processed food faced a 4% higher risk of death from any cause, and an 8% increased risk of dying from neurodegenerative diseases like dementia.
The four main types of ultra-processed foods linked to an increased risk of death were identified as: Processed meat Artificially sweetened drink Dairy-based desserts Ultra-processed breakfast foods (eg cereal) Processed meat was the one most strongly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, reports Surrey Live . Nevertheless, the researchers emphasised that the overall quality of one's diet could be the most important factor. Report author Mingyang Song, an associate professor of clinical epidemiology and nutrition, said: "Cereals, wholegrain breads.
.. they are also considered ultra-processed food, but they contain various beneficial nutrients like fiber, vitamins and minerals.
"On the other hand, I do think people should try to avoid or limit the consumption of certain ultra-processed foods, such as processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages.