According to recent research published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), a team of researchers from Australia, America, France and Ireland have found strong evidence that consuming high ultra-processed foods can reduce the risk of cancer, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal. And there is a risk of 32 serious diseases like metabolic syndrome. Eating ultra-processed foods increases the risk of death from heart disease 48-53. The risk of depression, general mental disorder and type 2 diabetes also increases by 12 percent.

BMJ is a weekly magazine published by BMJ Group. It is one of the most trusted and oldest medical journals in the world.

In the study published in the journal, it has been said that the research team has found such evidence that the consumption of more ultra-processed food increases the risk of death of anyone by 21 percent, including death from heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes. The risk was 40-66 percent. At the same time, the risk of sleep problems and depression was also 22 percent higher.

Researchers found that high consumption of ultra-processed foods was directly linked to the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, depression, sleep problems, wheezing, cancer, gastrointestinal conditions and obesity. 

According to research, excessive consumption of ultra-processed food also increases the risk of breast cancer, tumor, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer.

What are ultra processed foods?

Ultra-processed food is made in factories using various methods in which preservatives and artificial ingredients are added. These usually go through several processes like extrusion, hydrogenation and cooking at high temperatures. For example, sweet snacks, packaged baked goods, fast food, sweet drinks are also made in the same way. 

These foods are generally low in essential nutrients and fiber but high in unhealthy fats, sugar and salt. Regular consumption of ultra-processed foods increases the risk of many problems, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes and some types of cancer.