Are Ultra-Processed Foods Bad for You? [Video]

Individuals who fuel up with more ultra-processed foods (UPFs) might be increasing their risk for 32 different physical and mental health conditions, according to a February 2024 study published in The BMJ. 

The meta-analysis, essentially a study of the results of other studies, involved information from more than 9.8 million participants who had completed food frequency questionnaires, dietary histories, and 24-hour dietary recalls. After diving into all of that data, the researchers found that those who ate more UPFs appeared to be more likely to be diagnosed with everything from breast and colorectal cancer to heart disease, depression, asthma, and more at some point during their lifespans.

These findings could seem pretty frightening, considering the fact that about 73% of America’s food supply is UPFs, and more than 60% of the daily energy intakein our country comes courtesy of UPFs. But before you start cleaning out your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer and shopping for a totally new …