Beware the Dangers of Ultraprocessed Plant-Based Foods, New Study Warns

 

Beware the Dangers of Ultraprocessed Plant-Based Foods, New Study Warns

A new study has delivered an important wake-up call for anyone following a plant-based diet - not all plant-based foods are created equal. In fact, the research has found that ultraprocessed plant-based foods can actually increase your risk of heart disease and early death.

The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, analyzed data from over 11,000 Brazilian adults. It found that those who consumed the highest amounts of ultraprocessed plant-based foods had a 32% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease and a 27% higher risk of premature death compared to those who ate the least.

"Eating plant-based products can be beneficial, acting as protection against health problems, or it can represent a risk — it all depends on the level of processing of these foods," said senior study author Renata Levy, a researcher at the University of São Paulo.

Ultraprocessed foods are products that undergo multiple industrial processes, such as hydrogenation, extruding, molding and preprocessing. They often contain added chemicals, flavors, colors and other additives to make them more palatable and appealing. Examples include packaged snacks, fast-food, frozen meals, sugary cereals and baked goods.

While these plant-based ultraprocessed foods may be free of animal products, they are far from healthy. The study found they were linked to higher levels of bad cholesterol and hypertension, both major risk factors for heart disease.

"We can't always assume plant-based means healthy, as after all sugar is plant-based," said Duane Mellor, a registered dietitian at Aston Medical School. "Many foods that do not contain animal products, which includes biscuits, crisps, confectionary and soft drinks, are technically plant-based but would not be considered essential as part of a healthy diet."

So what's the solution? Experts recommend focusing on minimally processed, whole food plant-based options like fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. These nutrient-dense foods have been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and support longevity.

"While a plant-based diet can be very healthy, it's important to pay attention to the level of processing in the foods you're eating," said Levy. "Choosing whole, unprocessed plant foods is key to unlocking the full health benefits of a plant-based lifestyle."

Readers, we'd love to hear your thoughts on this study and your experiences with plant-based eating. Share your comments below or head over to our Buymeacoffee page to continue the conversation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JusticePretorius.