processed foods and your risk of heart problems
WTOP • • health
Key Points:
- A study by the American College of Cardiology found that consuming more than nine servings of ultra-processed foods daily increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from heart disease by 67% compared to eating one serving a day.
- Each additional daily serving of ultra-processed food raises the risk of cardiovascular events by over 5%, with Black Americans experiencing a risk increase of more than 6% per serving.
- Ultra-processed foods often contain long lists of additives, sugar, salt, and saturated fat, which can cause inflammation and strain the body's processing systems.
- Experts recommend limiting ultra-processed food intake rather than eliminating it entirely, suggesting practical strategies such as eating healthy meals before events, alternating sugary drinks with low-sugar options, and pairing snacks like chips with fruit.
- The research, based on data from over 6,800 U.S. adults, was presented at the ACC Annual Scientific Session and published in JACC Advances.
