Scientists have found that consuming high amounts of a particular kind of food may significantly increase the risk of Heart disease.
Ultra-processed foods, defined under the NOVA food classification system as industrial formulations made mostly from extracted or synthetic ingredients, include items such as packaged bread, sugary cereals, processed meats, soft drinks, frozen meals, and snacks.
In a study published in JACC: Advances, researchers analyzed data from 6,814 adults aged 45 to 84 in the United States who initially showed no signs of cardiovascular disease.
Participants’ diets were tracked over 12 years using food frequency questionnaires, while medical records were monitored for major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes, or related deaths.
The findings showed that individuals who consumed the highest amounts of ultra-processed foods, averaging about nine servings per day were 67 per cent more likely to experience a major cardiovascular event compared to those who consumed minimal amounts.
Researchers also found that each additional daily serving increased the risk by about 5.1 per cent.
Experts say the impact of these foods on heart health is multi-layered. Ultra-processed foods often replace nutrient-rich whole foods and typically contain high levels of sodium, refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and unhealthy fats. They may also affect gut health, increase inflammation, and contribute to conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol — all of which raise cardiovascular risk.
Despite the findings, researchers stressed that the study shows a correlation, not direct causation.
Health experts recommend focusing on balance rather than perfection, encouraging diets rich in whole or minimally processed foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, fish, and nuts.
Adopting eating patterns similar to the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes natural, unprocessed foods , has been linked to lower risks of heart disease and other health conditions.
They added that while occasional consumption of processed foods is unlikely to cause harm, consistently relying on them may increase long-term health risks.
