Britain is currently facing a significant threat from ultra-processed food, which is putting millions of people at risk of heart problems, according to groundbreaking research. New statistics reveal that individuals consuming the highest amounts of mass-produced foods are 24% more likely to experience heart attacks and strokes. They are also 39% more likely to develop high blood pressure, as indicated by a separate study. Astonishingly, ultra-processed foods make up 57% of the UK’s national diet, making it the worst consumer of such foods in Europe.
Campaigners have likened the consumption of ultra-processed foods to smoking, highlighting that the research provides some of the most compelling evidence to date that the consumption of these foods is life-threatening. These harmful foods include sliced bread, breakfast cereals, and ready meals. Even foods marketed as “healthy,” such as protein bars, low-fat yogurts, and fruits, are potentially damaging to heart health.
Experts are calling for stricter regulations on manufacturers, including warning labels on packaging and a ban on advertising foods that are considered to be detrimental to health. The findings, which are being presented at the world’s largest cardiology conference, should serve as a wakeup call for a change in the UK’s food culture.
Former government food adviser and co-founder of the Leon restaurant chain, Henry Dimbleby, warns that the UK is particularly bad when it comes to consuming ultra-processed food, and states that if nothing is done, the NHS will face a tidal wave of health problems in the future.
Ultra-processed foods are those that have been significantly altered from their original state through multiple manufacturing processes. These foods often contain high amounts of salt, sugar, additives, and preservatives. They are typically low in fiber and lack the nutrients found in fresh produce and homemade meals.
Previous studies have linked the consumption of ultra-processed foods to various health issues, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. However, the new research shows that these foods remain unhealthy even without added sugar, salt, and fat, suggesting that the process of ultra-processing itself is the main issue.
Analysis of ten studies involving over 325,000 individuals found that those who consumed the most ultra-processed products had a 24% higher risk of heart attacks or strokes. Increasing the proportion of ultra-processed food in a person’s daily calorie intake by 10% was associated with a 6% increased risk of heart disease. A 15-year Australian study also discovered that women who consumed more ultra-processed foods were at a significantly higher risk of developing high blood pressure.
Speaking at the European Society of Cardiology Congress, lead author Anushriya Pant from the University of Sydney stated that ultra-processed foods tend to be low in fiber and high in salt and sugars, all of which are known to be harmful to heart health. Foods marketed as “healthy” may have low calorie content but high sodium levels, contributing to the development of high blood pressure.
Dr. Chris van Tulleken, author of “Ultra-Processed People,” drew parallels between ultra-processed food companies and tobacco companies, emphasizing the need for warning labels on packaging. He believes that the current traffic light system is confusing and optional. Dr. Tulleken argues that ultra-processed foods have detrimental effects on the body, increasing the risk of cardiovascular and other diseases, just like smoking does.
Dr. Sonya Babu-Narayan, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, expressed growing concerns about the links between ultra-processed foods and cardiovascular disease. She highlighted the need for a comprehensive strategy to create an environment that supports people in living long and healthy lives.
The Department of Health and Social Care has already implemented legislation to restrict the promotion and placement of certain products in supermarkets to discourage the consumption of unhealthy foods.
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