Ultra-Processed Foods Harm Every Major Body System, Global Review Finds

The world’s largest scientific review reveals ultra-processed foods damage every major human organ system and threaten global health. The study analyzed 104 long-term studies by 43 leading experts. Ninety-two studies showed greater risks of chronic diseases and early death from consuming ultra-processed foods. Professor Carlos Monteiro from the University of São Paulo said “The evidence strongly suggests that humans are not biologically adapted to consume them.” Ultra-processed foods include ready meals, cereals, protein bars, fizzy drinks and fast food. In the UK and US, over half the average diet consists of these products. Some people, particularly younger and poorer populations, consume diets up to 80% ultra-processed foods. Experts are calling for including ultra-processed food markers on front-of-package labels alongside excessive saturated fat, sugar and salt warnings. (Story URL)