While many argue that a diet free of animal products is beneficial to one’s health and the environment, a new study suggests the opposite when it comes to people’s heart health. Researchers from the University of Sao Paulo and Imperial College London found that ultra-processed vegan foods are bad for the ticker. Packaged products of drinks, cereals and ready-to-eat items that contain colours, flavours, emulsifiers and other additives are included in the group.
They were found to contain high amounts of sugar, saturated fat and salt, and lacked sufficient vitamins and fibre. The study, published on Monday in the Lancet Regional Health journal, analyzed the diets of more than 118,000 Brits between 40 and 69 years of age. The data found that a plant-based eating plan promotes overall heart health but only when that died features fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes.
For every 10% increase in plant-based foods, the risk of death from heart disease fell by 20%, according to the study. But once the freshness is removed from the food and eaters turn to ultra-processed options, the scientists found a 12% increase in heart disease-related deaths. “Food additives and industrial contaminants present in these foods might cause oxidative stress and inflammation, further aggravating the risks,” lead study author Fernanda Rauber explained of the composition and processing methods of UPFs, which can lead to higher blood pressure and cholesterol.
“Thos.
