Ultra-processed food: Know what are they, how they cause heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure

Two independent researches have found that Ultra Processed Food (UPF) significantly increases the chance of cardiovascular ailments and may cause heart attacks, heart strokes, and high blood pressure.

Ultra-processed food: Alarming Condition

It has been found that global consumption of processed cereals, protein bars, fast food, ready-to-eat meals and fizzy cold drinks has increased many times. In developed economies like the US and the UK processed food makes up more than half of the diet and in disadvantaged and underprivileged classes it may go as high as 80 percent. It is an alarming condition.

Research on 10,000 Women

The first study was carried out on more than 10,000 women for 15 years and it has been found that the women who consume ultra-processed food are 39 per cent more prone to high blood pressure than others.

Research on 3,25,000 Men

The second study was a meta-analysis and it was carried out on 3,25,000 men and women and it was found that those who eat more ultra-processed food have 24 per cent more possibility of having cardiovascular problems like cardiac attacks, cardiac strokes, and angina.

Less ultra-processed food, less cardiac problem

It was also found that if calorie intake by eating ultra-processed food is increased by 10 per cent, the danger of getting a heart attack goes up by 6%. China-based Fourth Military Medical University also found in its study that those who consume less than 15 per cent ultra-processed food have the least possibility of getting a heart attack.

Impact of Ultra-processed food discussed

Leading doctors, scientists, and researchers of the world were present at the annual meeting of the European Society of Cardiology in Amsterdam when the results of the two independent researches were presented and discussed.

What are ultra-processed foods?

The ultra-processed foods are those foods that undergo different types of food processing many times. These are rich in sugar and salt and have preservatives, additives and other chemicals. In most of the cases, these are less in nutritional value and fiber.

FAQs:

Q1. What are ultra-processed foods?
A1. The ultra-processed foods are those foods that undergo processing many times. These are generally high in salt and sugar and low in nutrients and fiber.

Q2. How the ultra-processed food affect your heart?
A2. Independent researchers have found that ultra-processed food may cause heart disease, heart attack, heart stroke, and high blood pressure.