Britain: Thousands of Annual Deaths Linked to Ultra-Processed Food Consumption
A study has concluded that the thousands of annual deaths recorded in the United Kingdom may be associated with the consumption of ultra-processed foods.
The British News Agency (AP Media) reported that experts involved in the research believe there is a connection between eating ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of early death.
It was previously established that there is a correlation between ultra-processed foods—such as ice cream, processed meats, and soft drinks—and poor health, including heightened risks of obesity, heart disease, cancer, and premature death.
These types of foods typically contain high levels of saturated fats, salts, sugars, and additives, which experts say leave less room for more nutritionally beneficial foods in individuals’ diets.
The experts in the new study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, recommended that governments issue dietary guidelines aimed at reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods.
Experts examined data from eight countries worldwide, concluding that ultra-processed foods accounted for 53% of energy consumption in the United Kingdom—second only to the United States, which recorded 55%.