Research Finds Certain Ultra-Processed Foods Increase Risk of Chronic Diseases Like Cancer and Diabetes, While Others, Including Breads and Cereals, Show No Harm

A recent study suggests that certain ultra-processed foods (UPFs), excluding breads and cereals, are associated with an increased risk of developing multiple chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. However, the research found no such link for ultra-processed breads and cereals, or plant-based alternatives.

UPFs are foods that typically contain ingredients not used in home cooking, such as additives, preservatives, colourings, and sweeteners. These are often mass-produced and include ready meals, processed meats, sweets, and shop-bought biscuits.

The study, which involved 266,666 participants from seven European countries, found that higher consumption of animal-based UPFs and artificially or sugar-sweetened beverages significantly increased the risk of developing multiple chronic diseases. This includes a 9% increased risk for those who consumed larger quantities of UPFs daily. However, ultra-processed breads, cereals, and plant-based products were not associated with this increased risk.

Interestingly, the researchers observed that ultra-processed breads and cereals might even have a protective effect, likely due to their higher fibre content. The study highlights the complexity of the relationship between UPFs and health, indicating that not all ultra-processed foods are equally harmful.

Lead researcher Reynalda Cordova stated that for every additional 260g of UPFs consumed per day, the risk of developing two or more chronic diseases increased by 9%. However, Heinz Freisling, co-author of the study, stressed that the consumption of ultra-processed foods does not need to be entirely avoided but rather limited in favour of fresh or minimally processed alternatives.

Dr. Helen Croker, assistant director of research at the World Cancer Research Fund, which supported the study, emphasized the importance of reducing intake of ultra-processed foods, particularly animal-based products and sweetened drinks, to prevent diseases such as cancer. Dr. Ian Johnson, nutrition researcher, also highlighted that while some UPFs are linked to health risks, others, like certain breads and cereals, may offer health benefits due to their fibre content.

Ultimately, the study suggests a more nuanced approach to UPFs, focusing on the type of food rather than grouping all ultra-processed items as equally harmful. As Kevin McConway, emeritus professor of statistics at the Open University, pointed out, the overall increase in risk for disease was relatively small for those with higher UPF consumption.