LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: A photo illustration of ‘Ultra Processed’ foods on February 16, 2018 … More
Before reaching for a bag of chips or sugary beverage, consider this: consuming 100 grams of ultra-processed foods daily increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, digestive diseases, and cancer, according to recent research.
Xiao Liu, a cardiologist at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China, explained, “Ultra-processed foods are high in sugar, salt, and other non-nutritive components, lacking in nutritional value but dense in calories. They can lead to various health issues through mechanisms such as blood lipid profile disturbances, gut microbiota changes, obesity promotion, inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin sensitivity impairment.”
An analysis of 41 studies involving 8,286,940 adults across different continents revealed that daily consumption of an additional 100 grams of ultra-processed foods is linked to a 14.5% higher risk of hypertension, 5.9% increased risk of cardiovascular events, and 1.2% higher risk of cancer. The study also found a strong association between ultra-processed foods and digestive diseases, with a 19.5% higher risk of stomach problems per 100 grams consumed.
Examples of ultra-processed foods include ready-to-eat meals, sweetened beverages, mass-produced bread, chips, instant noodles, flavored yogurts, breakfast cereals, and desserts. These products contain additives, preservatives, and colorants added during processing, making them unhealthy choices.
Liu emphasized, “Clinicians should educate patients on the negative aspects of ultra-processed foods, which are high in added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats, while lacking essential nutrients. Consuming these foods in excess can lead to various health issues. Evidence suggests a direct relationship between ultra-processed food intake and adverse health outcomes, highlighting the importance of reducing consumption for improved health.” Liu presented these findings at the ACC Asia 2025 conference in Singapore.
Another study published in Neurology on May 7, 2025, revealed that individuals consuming higher amounts of ultra-processed foods like hot dogs and cookies have an increased risk of early signs of Parkinson’s disease compared to those with lower consumption.
Study author Xiang Gao from Fudan University in Shanghai, China, stated, “Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Our research indicates that excessive consumption of processed foods, such as sugary snacks and sodas, may accelerate the onset of Parkinson’s disease.”
