To keep the body healthy and fit, it is considered necessary to take care of diet. Health experts say the type of things you consume has a direct effect on the body. Some things can protect you from many diseases, while some can also make you a victim of serious diseases. Among the food items that are most harmful to health, processed and ultra-processed items are prominent.
A recent study published in The British Medical Journal states that people who consume more ultra-processed foods have a higher risk of 32 serious diseases, including mental health disorders, heart disease, type-2 diabetes, obesity, etc. It is possible
It has also been found to increase the risk of premature death. Ultra-processed foods contain high calories which also lead to weight gain and increased health complications.
Ultra-Processed Foods and its Disadvantages
Before knowing the health risks of ultra-processed foods, it is important to know what these foods are.
Ultra-processed foods are high in sugar, fat, and salt. These food items are mainly of 'ready to use' style. Ice creams, sauces, crisps, biscuits, carbonated drinks, instant soups, etc. fall into this category. Health experts found that excessive consumption of these things poses a risk of increasing the amount of calories and fat in the body. Excessive consumption of these can lead to high sugar levels and blood pressure levels, which is why such food items can cause many types of harm to health.
The risk of heart disease increases
In the report of the study, scientists said, people who consumed more ultra-processed foods were found to have a 50 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death due to it. Such foods have been seen to increase the risk of mental illnesses like anxiety by 48-53 percent and type-2 diabetes by 12 percent.
Researchers from Deakin University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins in Australia analyzed the health problems caused by ultra-processed foods in about 10 million people. These foods have also been found to cause sleep disorders, mental health disorders, and chronic health problems.
What do researchers say?
The researchers said the evidence on the risk of asthma, gastrointestinal disorders and cancer from ultra-processed foods is limited, but cannot be ignored. Experts said that if it is consumed frequently, there may be a risk of premature death. Since the amount of fiber, protein, and vitamins in these things is low, their consumption can negatively affect both physical and mental health.
Increase the quantity of healthy and nutritious things
Health experts say, that to keep the body disease-free, it is important that you consume healthy and nutritious foods. Studies have found that to prevent diseases, one-third of the food plate should be fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants, proteins, and vitamins can be obtained by increasing the amount of colorful vegetables and fruits in the diet, which can protect you from diseases.
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