Overly processed foods may cause a variety of diseases

[New Sancai Compilation and First Release] It is common sense that many people know that overly processed foods may cause health or food safety problems. According to a recent study, overly processed foods may cause serious health problems in people who regularly consume them.

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) pointed out that researchers found that overly processed foods are associated with risks of more than 30 different diseases. Diseases including heart disease, cancer, mental disorders, obesity and type 2 diabetes appear to be closely linked to this food.

In the findings, researchers said that overly processed foods were associated with a 50 percent increased risk of heart-related death, an approximately 50 percent increased risk of anxiety or mental disorders, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. About twelve percent. And the more people eat ultra-processed foods, the greater the risk to their overall health.

So-called overly processed foods include instant foods, instant noodles, refined snacks, sugary drinks, sugar-added cereals, etc. These products generally undergo multiple processes to make them taste sweeter and last longer. Many contain large amounts of sugar, salt, and fat, as well as other ingredients that may be harmful to the human body, such as emulsifiers, food colorings, and artificial flavors. additive.

Researchers point out that in many developed countries, the proportion of ultra-processed food in total daily energy intake is close to 60%, and is also increasing rapidly in developing low- and middle-income countries.

Researchers conducted the analysis by examining relevant data published within the past three years, covering nearly 10 million people studied. Data also shows that overly processed foods increase the risk of death by about 20%. Researchers say changes in food properties during production may affect digestion and nutrient absorption. And evidence also shows that some additives, such as artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers, coloring agents and nitrates or nitrites, are linked to ill health. Highly processed food may also produce harmful substances that cause chronic inflammation, and packaging materials may also contain pollutants.

The researchers further stated that food manufacturers may readjust product formulas or processes as a result, but this may not necessarily eliminate the hazards caused by over-processing. And profit factors may also make food manufacturers less willing to create more natural and nutritious products. Instead, manufacturers use marketing strategies to promote their products, including attractive packaging and eye-catching health claims, which may lead people to overeat.

Therefore, the research report also recommends that the government implement some policies to improve food manufacturers' food manufacturing processes, food additives and advertising techniques.

(Compiled by: Mulian)

(Editor: Jiang Qiming)

(Source of the article: Compiled and published by New Sancai)