Shocking Truth On Vegan Food Revealed
About 58% of a typical Western diet consists of ultra-processed foods, which are entirely manufactured through industrial processes. Examples include ice cream, sports drinks, packaged breads, and margarine. Recent studies have linked high consumption of these foods to increased risks of health issues such as cognitive decline, depression, and cancer.
For instance, a February study found that greater intake of ultra-processed foods was associated with 32 adverse health outcomes, spanning heart problems, sleep disorders, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and mental health conditions. Now, a study published in The Lancet Regional Health — Europe suggests that even plant-based ultra-processed foods can pose health risks, potentially leading to elevated cardiovascular disease and mortality risks.
However, it’s important to note that this study is observational and does not establish causality. More research is needed to understand the long-term health impacts of plant-based ultra-processed foods.
Lead author Fernanda Rauber, PhD, from the University of São Paulo, highlighted the lack of comprehensive research on how these products affect health outcomes, particularly in relation to cardiovascular disease. She emphasized that while plant-based diets are often recommended in dietary guidelines, the processing of these foods by the food industry, using terms like vegetarian or vegan, may not always align with health benefits.
Rauber and her team analyzed data from nearly 127,000 participants in the UK Biobank, spanning from 2009 to 2012 with a median follow-up of nine years. Their findings indicated that for every 10% increase in calorie intake from plant-based ultra-processed foods, there was a 5% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and a 12% greater risk of cardiovascular-related mortality.
The study revealed a notable difference between the health outcomes associated with plant-based ultra-processed foods versus non-ultra-processed plant-based foods. Consumption of the former was linked to increased cardiovascular risks, while the latter showed no significant association.
In conclusion, while plant-based diets are widely advocated for health benefits, the processing of these foods can influence their impact on cardiovascular health. Rauber emphasized the need for dietary guidelines to consider the processing of plant-based foods to ensure they align with health objectives effectively.
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