London – Every bite of junk food that scientists often call ultra-processed, such as sugary drinks, sliced bread and cooked meals, can increase your cancer risk. A new study warns that these foods are generally high in salt, fat, sugar and contain artificial additives, which can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. When compared to other healthier options, they are cheaper, easier to buy, and sold frequently. . Especially for women.
“The average person in the UK consumes more than half of their daily energy intake from ultra-processed foods. This is very high and concerning as food additives are often used to regulate blood pressure and extend shelf life,” said Chiara of Imperial College London, first author of the study. Dr. Chan School of Public Health media release.
“Our bodies may not respond to these ultra-processed ingredients and additives in the same way as they do to fresh, nutritious, minimally processed foods. It is ubiquitous and highly marketed at cheap prices and attractive packaging to encourage consumption. It shows that there is
Ultra-processed foods significantly increase cancer in women
Researchers collected data using UK Biobank records. They studied the diets of 200,000 middle-aged adults, monitored their health for over a decade, and looked at each person’s overall and specific risk of developing cancer. 34 types of cancer.
The team also looked at the risk of people dying from cancer. The study found that the higher the consumption of ultra-processed foods, the higher the risk of developing cancer overall, especially ovarian cancer and brain cancer. Eating too much was also associated with an increased risk of dying from cancer, especially ovarian cancer. breast cancer.
For every 10% increase in ultra-processed foods in a person’s diet, there was a 2% increase in overall cancer incidence and a 19% increase in cancer incidence. ovarian cancer in particular. As an adult, the more of these ultra-processed foods she ate, the higher her risk of developing obesity and her type 2 diabetes.
These associations were maintained even after adjusting for various socioeconomic, behavioral, and dietary factors, including smoking status, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI). The Imperial College London team previously ultra processed food In the UK it is the best in Europe for both adults and children.
“Ultra-processed foods need clear front-of-package warning labels.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization have previously recommended limiting ultra-processed foods as part of a healthy and sustainable diet. There are ongoing efforts to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods around the world.
Countries such as Brazil, France and Canada have updated their national dietary guidelines recommending that such foods be restricted.Brazil also bans marketing ultra-processed food in school.
“Clear warning labels are required on the front of packs of ultra-processed foods to aid consumer choice, and the sugar tax will limit ultra-processed carbonated beverages, fruit- and milk-based beverages, and other ultra- It should be extended to cover processed foods, products,” Dr. Chan adds.
“Low-income households are particularly vulnerable to these cheap, unhealthy, ultra-processed foods. A nutritious and affordable option”
“This study adds to growing evidence that ultra-processed foods are likely to have adverse effects on our health, including cancer risk. This has important implications for future health outcomes,” said Dr Ezter Vamos, senior lead author, School of Public Health, Imperial College London.
“While our study cannot prove causation, other available evidence suggests that reducing ultra-processed foods in our diets may have important health benefits. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to understand the best public health strategies to reduce the widespread presence and harm of ultra-processed foods in our diets.”
The research is published in the journal EC clinical medicine.
South West News Service writer Alice Clifford contributed to this report.
