In recent decades, ultra-processed foods (such as fast-food hamburgers, instant noodles, cakes, potato chips, etc.) have entered nearly every household. They taste good and are convenient and affordable. However, research shows that ultra-processed foods may cause serious health problems, and excessive consumption can increase the risk of death.
Excessive Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods Increases the Risk of Death
Data show up to 71 percent of packaged foods sold in the United States are considered ultra-processed. Although there are differences in education and income levels, the intake of ultra-processed foods is generally high across all socioeconomic levels.
A study published in the British Medical Journal in May 2019 showed that consuming large amounts of ultra-processed foods (more than four servings per day) increases overall mortality by 62 percent. In addition, for every additional serving of ultra-processed food consumed, overall mortality increases by 18 percent. This study followed 19,899 participants (7,786 men and 12,113 women) with an average age of 37.6 years for a median duration of 10.4 years….