New studies presented at the annual congress of the European Society of Cardiology have definitively linked the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
The research, which highlights the dangers of highly processed foods commonly found in shops around the world – such as fizzy drinks, cereals and ready meals – suggests that these items may contribute to an increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
Former UK government food adviser Henry Dimbleby highlighted the importance of these findings, pointing out that the UK faces particular challenges in terms of its consumption of ultra-processed foods. He said the research should serve as a “wake-up call” for the country, stressing that failure to act could have dire consequences for the health system.
One of the studies, conducted by researchers at China’s Fourth Military Medical University, analysed data from 10 studies involving 325,403 participants and 38,720 cases of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, including heart attacks and strokes. The study found a strong link between UPF use and the risk of heart disease.
The researchers found that even a 10% increase in daily calorie intake from ultra-processed foods correlated with a 6% higher risk of heart disease. They also observed that the lowest risk occurred when UPF consumption accounted for less than 15% of total calorie intake.
In contrast, the study found that high consumption of ultra-processed foods was “significantly and positively associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events”.
Another study presented at the conference, conducted among middle-aged women in Australia, examined the association between UPF intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and hypertension. Researchers, including those from the University of Sydney, analysed health data from around 10,000 women aged 46 to 55 who were followed for 15 years.
The study found that higher UPF consumption was associated with an increased risk of CVD and hypertension in these middle-aged women, reinforcing the importance of minimising UPF consumption as part of a heart-healthy diet.
These new studies add to the growing body of evidence highlighting the potential risks of ultra-processed foods and emphasise the urgency of adopting healthier eating habits to protect heart health and overall wellbeing.
