For example, ultraprocessed whole grains are not associated with the same dangers as processed meats or sugar-filled foods and beverages, according to Dr. Ming yang Song, the primary study author and associate professor of clinical epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard’s TH Chan School of Public Health.
The study examined information from over 100,000 US medical professionals who had no prior history of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer. Every two years between 1986 and 2018, the participants submitted data on their lifestyle choices and general health.
They filled out a comprehensive food questionnaire every four years.
As to the study published in The BMJ journal on Wednesday, the group that had the least amount of ultraprocessed food had an average of three servings per day, whereas the group that ate the most had an average of seven servings per day.
Based on a 30-year study According to the data, those who consumed the most had a 4% higher chance of dying from any cause, including a 9% higher risk of dying from neurodegenerative diseases.
Song characterized the correlation as “moderate,” pointing out that not all types of ultraprocessed foods had the same level of association.
He said that a few subgroups, such as processed meat and beverages with added sugar or artificial sweeteners, are mostly responsible for the positive correlation.
The results of this study were in line with hundreds of previous studies in the field, but Dr. Marion Nestle, the Paulette Goddard professor emerita of nutrition, food studies, and public health at New York University, noted that the study’s differentiation of various subgroups within the ultraprocessed food category sets it apart.
Is it necessary to exclude all highly processed foods?
Because ultraprocessed foods are a diverse category, Song wouldn’t necessarily suggest rejecting all of them, he added.
Based on a 30-year study “Though they are also regarded as ultraprocessed foods, whole grain breads and cereals, for instance, are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals,” the speaker stated. However, I do believe that some ultraprocessed foods, such processed meat, beverages with added sugar, and possibly artificial sweeteners, should be avoided or consumed in moderation.
Regarding ultraprocessed foods, there are still additional questions that need to be addressed.
First off, despite being an observational study, the latest study is robust due to the length of time it covered. According to Dr. Peter Wilde, an emeritus fellow at the Quadra Institute Bioscience in the United Kingdom, this indicates that even while researchers can see a correlation, they cannot conclude that the foods were the reason behind the deaths.
In order to advise governments and institutions on how to regulate foods, Song stated that researchers also need to focus more on the ingredients in ultraprocessed foods that may be damaging health, such as flavors, emulsifiers, and food additives.
Overall, diet is most important.
The quality of a person’s entire diet has been shown to be the most significant element in lowering risk of death, according to research, Song added.
“I don’t think people need to be like scared or freaked out if they maintain a generally healthy diet,” he added. “The primary factor influencing health outcomes remains the overall dietary pattern.”
Based on a 30-year study According to Wilde, a diversified diet should include as many vibrant fruits and vegetables as possible, along with complete grains.
“If you are worried about food additives, then choose foods that have low levels of additives,” he stated in an email. “Just be mindful of the nutritional content of (the ultraprocessed foods) that you do choose to consume.”
It is also crucial to realize that foods need to be eaten in balance. Fruit juice includes important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants when drunk in moderation, but too much will have high levels of sugar that may offset their benefits, Wilde said.
He declared, “This is not black and white.” “A certain food is neither good nor bad; it contains components of both, and how much you eat may affect how much of each you consume.”
Article Source edition. CNN
