What Are Ultraprocessed Foods?

Ultraprocessed foods are made with ingredients that are not found in a typical kitchen. These include artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and emulsifiers. Even though they are plant-based, they can still be harmful because of the way they are made.

The Study

Researchers from the University of São Paulo and Imperial College London studied 126,842 people. They looked at what they ate and found that eating more unprocessed plant foods like fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of heart disease. But eating more ultraprocessed plant foods increases the risk.

Risks for Vegans and Vegetarians

Vegans and vegetarians often eat more ultraprocessed foods, like fake meats and dairy substitutes, compared to meat eaters. Examples of these foods include:

• Veggie burgers
• Vegan cheese
• Plant-based sausages
• Vegetable chips
• Plant-based milks

These foods can contain unhealthy fats, lots of sodium, and added sugars, which are all bad for heart health. They may also have additives and contaminants formed during processing that can be harmful.

Seed Oils and Heart Disease

Many plant-based ultraprocessed foods contain seed oils, which are high in omega-6 fatty acids. These acids can harm your metabolism and increase the risk of chronic diseases. They are also unstable and can form harmful compounds that damage cells and DNA.

Global Impact of Ultraprocessed Foods

Around the world, ultraprocessed foods are contributing to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and other diseases. In countries like the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., over 60% of people's diets come from ultraprocessed foods. These foods are cheap and convenient but lack important nutrients.

Conclusion

While plant-based foods can be healthy, the level of processing matters. Eating whole, unprocessed plant foods is beneficial, but heavily processed plant-based foods can be harmful. It's important to choose natural, whole foods to protect your heart and overall health.

Full article in the attachement with references.