A massive new study spanning THREE DECADES has finally answered the question we've all been wondering: which processed foods are actually the most dangerous?
The research team tracked over 200,000 adults for 30 years, giving us the most comprehensive look yet at how these foods affect our health. And honestly, what they found is alarming.
Here's the shocking truth: people who loaded up on ultra-processed foods were... 17 percent more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and 23 percent more likely to be diagnosed with coronary heart disease. But here's what you REALLY need to know... not all processed foods are created equal. The study singled out two particular categories as the BIGGEST troublemakers: Sugary drinks (yes, that includes your favorite sodas) Processed meats (think hot dogs and those convenient breaded fish products) Processed foods make up most of what's available at the grocery store. A whopping 73 percent of the U.S. food supply falls into the ultra-processed category. That's everything from your morning breakfast cereal to that "healthy" yogurt you've been eating for lunch.
But here's the good news: The research suggests that some processed foods might not be AS harmful as others.
This means you don't have to completely overhaul your entire diet overnight.
Instead, focus on limiting these high-risk foods first, like sugary beverages (even the ones marketed as "healthy"), breaded fish, hot dogs, processed lunch meats, and other heavily processed meat products.
What makes these particular foods so dangerous?
Scientists believe it's a perfect storm of added sugars, excessive sodium, artificial preservatives, and, perhaps worst of all, the industrial processing methods that strip away nutrients.
Remember, this isn't about eliminating ALL processed foods from your life. That's nearly impossible. Instead, it's about limiting them and making smarter choices about WHICH processed foods you consume.
You don't have to give up every convenience food in your kitchen to make a big difference in your health. Knowing which ones pose the biggest risks lets you make better choices about where to draw the line.
Health and Happiness,
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
P.S. Six secret ways to spot HIDDEN processed foods.
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SOURCE:
Mendoza, Kenny et al., Ultra-processed foods and cardiovascular disease: analysis of three large US prospective cohorts and a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies, The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, Volume 37, 100859, September 2024 |
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