Americans have a very processed diet. This isn’t surprising for the most industrialized nation on earth. What effects do ultra-processed foods have on longevity?
A report published in the European Heart Journal warns that high consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) may significantly increase the risk of heart disease, cardiovascular death and a range of related chronic conditions.
These conditions will shorten life expectancy.
Researchers report that diets high in ultra-processed foods are consistently associated with worse cardiovascular and metabolic health outcomes.
These foods — typically made with industrial ingredients, additives, preservatives, white sugar and other heavy processing — have increasingly replaced traditional diets across much of Europe and the U.S.
Are you wondering why the life expectancy in less industrialized nations is lower, even though their diet is less processed?
That’s because there are other drivers of a shortened lifespan, such as lack of adequate medical care or lack of access to routine medical checkups.
Developing countries also don’t have the quantity of gyms that developed nations do.
Water isn’t as clean. Parasitic infections are far more common. Plus, hard labor outdoors — or indoors — in hot conditions isn’t known to extend longevity.
But in industrialized nations, even living a cushy air-conditioned life and driving around in a nice car won’t negate the harmful effects of a diet high in UPFs.
The report shows links between high UPF intake and obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease and increased risk of cardiovascular-related death.
According to the review, people with the highest UPF consumption face notably higher health risks compared with those who consume the least.
Findings across studies show up to a 19% increased risk of heart disease, around a 13% higher risk of atrial fibrillation, and as much as a 65% higher risk of cardiovascular mortality.
UPFs are also linked with greater rates of obesity and metabolic disorders, which are major contributors to long-term heart disease risk.
Why UPFs Increase Health Risks
According to Dr. Marialaura Bonaccio and colleagues, the relationship between ultra-processed foods and heart disease is biologically plausible and supported by consistent evidence.
UPFs tend to be high in salt, sugar and unhealthy fats, and may also contain additives and processing byproducts that influence inflammation, metabolism and gut health.
These factors can contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance, hypertension and other conditions that raise cardiovascular risk or otherwise lead to premature death.
The authors stress that while most evidence so far comes from observational studies, the consistency across populations strengthens concern about long-term effects.
