Overview

• Published June 30 in Nature Medicine, the study applied a conservative Burden of Proof method to assess links between ultra-processed foods and three major diseases.
• The analysis reviewed over 70 studies involving several million participants and showed a monotonic increase in health risks with any habitual intake.
• Eating 50 grams of processed meat daily—about one hot dog—was linked to an 11% higher risk of type 2 diabetes and a 7% increased chance of colorectal cancer.
• Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages corresponded to an 8% rise in diabetes risk and a 2% uptick in ischemic heart disease risk.
• Even small amounts of trans fatty acids, accounting for 0.25% to 2.56% of daily energy, were associated with a 3% greater risk of ischemic heart disease.