It is a massive research work, which confirms the danger of ultra-processed foods. Published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, the study entitled “Consumption of ultra-processed foods, cancer risk and mortality” shows that the regular presence in a person’s diet of cereals, industrial bread, prepared meals or even ice cream significantly increases the risk of developing cancer. .
“Every 10% increase in the consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with a 2% increase in the incidence of any type of cancer, including ovarian cancer, of +19%,” the study states.
Almost 200,000 people followed for 10 years
This is the “most comprehensive” study on the subject, says Imperial College London, which is attached to the team of researchers behind the results presented Tuesday. In total, the diets of 197,426 Britons aged 40-69 were followed for 10 years.
“This study adds to growing evidence that ultra-processed foods are likely to have a negative impact on our health, including the risk of developing cancer,” says the Imperial College Eszter Vamos website.
Among the cohort of British citizens studied, the average consumption of ultra-processed foods was 22.9% of the total diet. In almost a decade, 15,921 of them developed cancer and 4,009 died from it.
Ultra-processed foods, such as frozen meals or industrial pizzas, contain additives that are not found in homemade preparations.
Specific packaging request
Skyrocketing consumption of processed foods in the UK is prompting researchers to demand that manufacturers be required to mention risks to consumers on packaging.
Quoted by the independentDr Kiara Chang says: “For the average person in the UK, ultra-processed foods make up more than half of their daily food intake.”
Then to continue: “Ultra-processed foods are everywhere and are marketed at affordable prices and attractive packaging to promote their consumption.”
In France, in July 2022, the National Food Safety Agency confirmed the increased risk between the consumption of nitrates and nitrites, present in processed meats such as ham, and the appearance of colorectal cancer.
Source: BFM TV
