Numerous studies have revealed that eating ultra-processed foods — rich in sugar, salt, fats, and artificial flavors — is linked to serious health risks such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, dementia, and psychological disorders, due to their lack of essential vitamins and minerals.
These highly processed foods include packaged snacks, breakfast cereals, fast food, desserts, canned drinks, processed and fried chicken nuggets, hot dogs, potato chips, biscuits, cheese crackers, and energy drinks.
According to a review by Verywell Health, several studies have confirmed that consuming these products increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Research has also shown that a 10% increase in the consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with a rise of more than 10% in the overall risk of cancer, especially breast cancer, as well as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Another study involving older adults found that a 10% rise in consumption led to a 25% increase in the risk of dementia and a 14% increase in the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, another scientific review linked higher exposure to these foods to increased mortality rates and psychological disorders.
