We all know that ultraprocessed foods aren’t the healthiest choice, but not all ultraprocessed foods have the same impact on our health. It can depend on how much a food is processed and for what purpose. In fact, some ultraprocessed foods can even be good for you.
One of the most thorough studies to look at which ultraprocessed foods have the most harmful health effects was published in the journal Lancet Regional Health - Americas in September 2024. It looked at more than 200,000 U.S. adults and which of their dietary habits were associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.
The group that consumed the most ultraprocessed foods was 11% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and 16% more likely to develop coronary artery disease than those who consumed the least ult