More evidence that ultra-processed foods could lead to poor health

A pair of just-published studies provides more evidence to suggest that consuming ultra-processed foods — including baked goods, sugary drinks, and other pre-packaged foods — could be detrimental to health. In one study of more than 105,000 adults, researchers found that a 10% increase in ultra-processed food intake was linked to a 13% increase in coronary artery disease. In another 20,000-person study, eating more than four daily servings of ultra-processed foods was linked to a 62% increase in mortality risk compared to those who had two or fewer daily servings. The studies come on the heels of results from an NIH clinical trial that found that people who ate an ultra-processed diet consumed more daily calories, on average, and gained more weight per week than those who ate a diet made up mostly of fruits, vegetables, and healthy amounts of salt, fats and whole grains.