Highly processed foods: Things get critical when there are five or more ingredients

UPF causes cancer, vascular disease and dementia

The impact of UPF on our health is controversially discussed among experts. According to research, high consumption is associated with obesity, cancer, type 2 diabetes, depression, dementia and tooth decay. Finally, its effects on blood vessels were also examined. Accordingly, UPF consumption is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, chronic heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

This is evidenced by two new studies presented at the world’s largest heart conference in Amsterdam at the end of August.

“Foods that you think are healthy may actually be contributing to your development of high blood pressure,” says Anushriya Pant, one of the researchers involved in the study. Women generally consume more UPF than men. More research is needed to determine whether this is due to the marketing of overly processed and low-fat foods to women.

Low nutritional value, high sugar content

UPF is produced industrially. The original food is often no longer preserved in its entirety. Processed products often contain a lot of salt and sugar and may contain additives and preservatives. They are often low in fiber and do not contain the nutrients found in fresh foods.

UPF is not easy to detect. The food industry is not required to declare highly processed products. It is not clear what processes were used during production. However, consumers can use a few points to help them recognize UPF when shopping.

Which foods are how processed?

1. Unprocessed or minimally processed foods: such as fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, milk
2. Processed kitchen ingredients: Ingredients and other products produced from food and used in preparing meals: oil, flour, salt, sugar
3. Processed foods: canned, pickled, fermented foods with few ingredients, such as freshly baked bread, cheese, pickles, canned tomatoes
4. Ultra-processed foods: contains many ingredients and additives, such as potato chips, sausages, frozen pizza, soft drinks, muesli or vegan spreads