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New analysis of the health impacts of plant-based ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has found they may pose a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases compared to less-processed plant-based foods. The research, led by the University of São Paulo and involving Imperial College London, used data from more than 118,000 people. It suggests that while plant-based diets are linked with reduced disease risk, overall, UPFs were linked with worse health outcomes.

They found that eating plant-based UPFs was linked with a 7% increase in the risk of cardiovascular diseases, compared with eating unprocessed plant-based foods. They also found that all consumption of UPFs (animal-based and plant-based) was linked with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and dying from these diseases. According to the researchers, their findings— published in The Lancet Regional Health—Europe —indicate that while plant-based UPFs may be marketed as healthy alternatives, they may be linked to worse health outcomes.



They add that dietary guidelines should be updated to encourage people to reduce their consumption of UPFs as well as to promote plant-based diets. Dr. Eszter Vamos, co-author of the study, from the School of Public Health at Imperial College London, said, "Fresh plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes are known to have important health and environmental benefits.

While ultra-processed foods are often marketed as healthy foods, this large study shows that pl.

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