Could ultra-processed foods be harmful for us?

 Ultra-processed foods are a type of food that is highly processed and contains a lot of additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients

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.  Here are some ways in which ultra-processed foods could be harmful to our health:

1. Increased risk of cancer: A study of 200,000 UK adults found that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods may be linked to an increased risk of developing cancer overall, and specifically ovarian and brain cancers
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2. Poor nutrient quality: Ultra-processed foods tend to be low in fiber and high in calories, salt, added sugar, and fat, which are all linked with poor health outcomes when eaten in excess
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3. Increased risk of health complications: Consuming ultra-processed foods on a regular basis increases a person's risk of health complications including cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, obesity, and type 2 diabetes
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4. Low in fiber: One reason ultra-processed foods likely contribute to health issues seems obvious: They tend to be low in fiber, which is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system and preventing constipation
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5. High in calories: Ultra-processed foods tend to be high in calories, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity
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6. High in sodium, sugar, and saturated fat: The poor nutrient quality of ultra-processed foods-high sodium, sugar, and saturated fat levels, and low fiber content-is a recipe for poor health
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7. Linked to early death: Longitudinal studies in the Americas and Europe have linked eating more ultra-processed food to a number of health risks, including increases in obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and even dementia. Other research has linked consuming ultra-processed foods to an increased risk of early death
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It is important to note that not all processed foods are bad for us. Processed foods are more nutrient-dense than ultra-processed and usually are less refined and have few or no additives

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.  Examples of processed foods are whole wheat bread, extra virgin olive oil, and tofu

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Harvard

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bbc

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npr

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ama-assn

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time