The Nugget
- A 30-year study found eating the most ultraprocessed foods was associated with a 4% higher risk of death from any cause and 9% higher risk of neurodegenerative deaths compared to eating the least. The risks were driven mainly by processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, and artificially sweetened beverages.
Make it stick
- 🥓 Processed meats were a key driver of increased death risk from ultraprocessed foods
- 🥤 Both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages also significantly contributed to the higher mortality risks
- 🌾 Not all ultraprocessed foods are equal - some like whole grain cereals can provide beneficial nutrients
Key insights
Definition of ultraprocessed foods
- Contain ingredients rarely used in kitchens or additives to improve palatability and appeal
- Examples: preservatives, artificial colors, emulsifiers, added/altered sugar, salt and fats
- Found in sodas, chips, packaged soups, nuggets, ice cream, etc.
Study details
- Analyzed data from 100,000+ U.S. health professionals with no prior major diseases
- Participants reported health, lifestyle and detailed diet info regularly from 1986-2018
- Lowest ultraprocessed food intake group averaged 3 servings/day, highest averaged 7/day
Risks associated with high ultraprocessed food intake
- 4% higher risk of death from any cause
- 9% higher risk of neurodegenerative disease deaths
- Processed meats, sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages were main drivers
Nuanced view needed
- Some ultraprocessed foods like whole grain cereals can provide beneficial nutrients
- Overall dietary pattern is most important factor in health outcomes
- Balance is key - foods aren't strictly good or bad, depends on amount consumed
Key quotes
- "The positive association is mainly driven by a few subgroups including processed meat and sugar sweetened or artificially sweetened beverages." - Dr. Mingyang Song, lead study author
- "If people maintain a generally healthy diet, I don't think they need to be like scared or be freaked out, The overall dietary pattern is still the predominant factor determining the health outcomes." - Dr. Song
This summary contains AI-generated information and may have important inaccuracies or omissions.