Ultra-Processed Foods and Heart Disease Risk

The most recent meta-analysis, published in BMJ in February, found direct links between higher consumption of ultra-processed foods and a greater risk of heart disease-related deaths, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other health issues.

• Ultra-processed foods include soda, candy, energy bars, fruit-flavored yogurt, frozen pizza, and frozen meals.
• Higher intake of these foods was associated with increased risk of heart disease deaths, type 2 diabetes, obesity, wheezing, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and deaths from all causes.

Mental Health Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods

Several studies have highlighted the negative impact of ultra-processed foods on mental health, including mood disorders and cognitive decline.

• A meta-analysis in the journal Nutrients found that diets high in ultra-processed foods were linked to a 44% greater risk of depression and a 48% higher risk of anxiety.
• One study showed that consuming just 33% of calories from ultra-processed food increased the risk of depression and anxiety.
• A study from Brazil found that taking in just 20% of calories from ultra-processed foods was linked to a 28% faster rate of cognitive decline compared to those who ate less processed food.

Dementia Risk and Ultra-Processed Foods

Alarmingly, a study tracking about half a million people in England, Scotland, and Wales found that the risk of dementia increased by 25% for every 10% increase in ultra-processed food consumption.

Potential Mechanisms and Causation

While the exact cause-and-effect relationship is still unknown, the observational evidence strongly suggests that eating high amounts of ultra-processed foods increases the risk of depression onset and other health issues in the future.

Key Takeaways

• Ultra-processed foods like soda, candy, energy bars, and frozen meals have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, dementia, type 2 diabetes, obesity, anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline.
• Even a moderate intake of ultra-processed foods (20-33% of calories) has been associated with higher risks of mental health issues and faster cognitive decline.
• The exact mechanisms are still being studied, but the observational evidence strongly suggests a causal relationship between ultra-processed food consumption and various health problems.